Arsenal, Chelsea and Leicester have hit back at allegations they have been involved in a doping scandal.
The Sunday Times claims a British doctor was secretly filmed describing how he prescribed performance enhancing drugs to 150 elite sportsmen, including Premier League footballers.
And players from the three top-flight clubs — and Birmingham — were allegedly named by Dr Mark Bonar.
Dr Bonar — who works at a private London clinic — is alleged to have been paid thousands of pounds for the drugs, which included erythropoietin (EPO), steroids and human growth hormone.
But The Sunday Times added: “Despite Bonar’s claims, The Sunday Times has no independent evidence Bonar treated the players.”All three clubs have slammed the allegations as untrue.
Arsenal said: “Arsenal Football Club is extremely disappointed by the publication of these false claims which are without foundation.
“The Sunday Times knows that these allegations are baseless but has preferred to publish regardless.
“The club takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously and our players are well aware of what is expected. We strictly adhere to all guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.”
Chelsea added: “The claims put to us are false and entirely without foundation. Chelsea Football Club has never used the services of Dr Bonar and has no knowledge or record of any of our players having been treated by him or using his services.
“We take the issue of performance enhancing drugs in sport extremely seriously and comply fully with all anti-doping rules and regulations. Chelsea FC players are regularly and rigorously tested by the relevant authorities.”
And league-leaders Leicester said: “Leicester City Football Club is extremely disappointed that The Sunday Times has published unsubstantiated allegations referring to players from clubs including Leicester City when, on its own admission, it has insufficient evidence to support the claims.
“Leicester City follows robust and comprehensive anti-doping protocols to ensure its full compliance and that of its players with all anti-doping rules and regulations.”
Birmingham are yet to respond to the allegations.
Dr Bonar denies any wrongdoing and said he had not breached rules laid out by the General Medical Council (GMC).
UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: “UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is deeply concerned and shocked by the allegations made in the Sunday Times.
“UKAD’s sole mission is to protect clean athletes and clean sport. As an arm’s length body to Government, our purpose and mandate is clear — to uncover and prosecute those who cheat, and contravene, the spirit of sport.”
Culture, Media and Sport Secretary John Whittingdale has called for an inquiry into the UK Anti-Doping watchdog following the report.
He said: “Sports fans are entitled to be sure that what they are watching is true and fair with all athletes competing on a level playing field. Once again, I am grateful to the excellent investigative journalism by The Sunday Times for bringing these apparent abuses to light.
“I have asked for there to be an urgent independent investigation into what action was taken when these allegations were first received and what more needs to be done to ensure that British sport remains clean.
“There is no room for complacency in the fight against doping and the Government is already looking at whether existing legislation in this area goes far enough. If it becomes clear that stronger criminal sanctions are needed then we will not hesitate to act.”
And the FA is urging anyone with information on the allegations to come forward “as soon as possible”.
An FA spokeswoman said: “These are very serious allegations. As such, The FA welcomes UK Anti-Doping’s decision to immediately launch an independent review into the matters raised by the Sunday Times.
“The FA is fully committed to maintaining the integrity of English football and will work with UKAD and other relevant agencies in seeking to do so.
“The FA urges anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward as soon as possible.”
Dr Bonar faces a disciplinary hearing this month. It is unrelated to allegations of doping.
Leave a comment