Although Liverpool remain cagey on how they’ll proceed with Mamadou Sakho’s failed drug test, European governing body UEFA has clarified its position earlier today by suspending the player for 30-days while the investigation continues.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Liverpool FC player Mamadou Sakho, following the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC (1-1), played on 17 March,” read the official UEFA statement. “The proceedings relate to a violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations, after the player failed a doping test at the above mentioned match. The player did not request the analysis of the B sample,” it continued, clarifying matters further. “UEFA has now suspended the player provisionally for 30 days until a final decision is taken by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body. The date of the disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage.”
The Reds, who face Spanish side Villarreal CF in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, voluntarily withdrew the French defender from consideration following the initial revelations. The infraction in question apparently stems from a banned fat burning supplement that was found in his first sample. Having refused to have his B sample tested on Tuesday, at this point, all he can do is await UEFA’s final decision.
“It’s a nightmare for the player,” Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News HQ earlier in the week. “I think he’s let himself and the club down badly, because he’s become a really important player. There’s serious questions to be asked of him,” continued the pundit. “He’s had a great campaign. He’s one of the leaders of the team now, certainly within that run, thinking about how well he played in the Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund games. It’s now how Liverpool fill that void,” explained the former defender. “For a professional footballer, as in any sport, it’s not acceptable.”
