Three high profile Premier League clubs have publicly denied the doping allegations made by them in a scathing Sunday Times report. Giant clubs and traditional powers Arsenal and Chelsea, alongside this season’s very surprising likely league champion Leicester City, denounced claims that a doctor – named by the newspaper as Dr Mark Bonar – had been secretly filmed allegedly discussing working with numerous professional athletes, who used banned treatments.
The report stated that Bonar had claimed to have treated players from Leicester, Arsenal and Chelsea. All three clubs released statements that publicly rejected the outlet’s claims.
The Leicester statement reads:
“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,” said a statement from the Premier League leaders.
“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.”
“The claims The Sunday Times put to us are false and entirely without foundation.”
Chelsea took a similar stance and released a similar statement:
“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.”
Arsenal lawyers had this to tell the media:
“Arsenal Football Club is extremely disappointed by the publication of these false claims which are without foundation,” a statement read.
“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.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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