The Sunday Times last night revealed in their findings a major doping scandal involving several Premier League clubs as well as other sports athletes in the country. The investigation included an interview with a doctor named Mark Bonar who claims to have treated several secret clients.
The substances in question are steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. Bonar claims he has had players from Arsenal, Chelsea and Leicester City who have used the banned substances.
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In the light of this news, Arsenal and Chelsea have come out to defend their players and have hit back at the claims. The clubs have accused the Sunday Times to have provided false information and that the standards followed at their clubs do not allow for such regulations to be broken.
Arsenal’s official statement on the matter:
“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 have responded similarly with this statement:
“The claims The Sunday Times 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.”
British sports minister to take serious action
If these claims of doping are true the matter could have very severe punishment and repercussions for the players and the clubs. Britain’s sports minister John Whittingdale has warned to take serious action if the findings are proven right.
“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.”
“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.”
Leicester City are yet to respond on the matter and have not yet issued an official statement.
