Newton banned after cocaine test
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Article summary
West Ham United FC midfielder Shaun Newton has been suspended for seven months after failing a drugs test in April, the Football Association has confirmed.
Article body
West Ham United FC midfielder Shaun Newton has been banned for seven months after failing a drugs test.
Target tested
The 30-year-old tested positive for cocaine after the FA Cup semi-final victory against Middlesbrough FC on 23 April. He was suspended by the London club on 20 May, pending a Football Association investigation, and the ban will apply from that date. West Ham said: "The suspension was announced today following an FA disciplinary commission hearing yesterday. The FA also revealed Newton will be target-tested throughout the period of his suspension."
Left behind
Newton, who has not travelled with the UEFA Cup contenders on a pre-season tour of Sweden, will not be able to play any matches, but can take part in training. In confirming the sanction, the FA added: "The FA's doping control programme is by far the biggest of any sport in the UK, comprising around 25 per cent of all sports drug testing. Each season sees 1,600 tests carried out at all levels of the game, both post-match and out-of-competition. The testing runs parallel with a comprehensive drugs education and awareness programme."
