Source: Daily_Mail
Kolo Toure drugs shock: Defender avoids training and seeks legal advice
[LNB]Manchester City defender Kolo Toure stayed away from training on Friday morning as he seeks legal advice over how to respond after failing a drugs test.[LNB]Toure could be banned for as long as two years and has been suspended from all levels of football, after the revelations.[LNB] The Ivory Coast centre half was dropped from the City team that beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup onWednesday night after an 'A' sample given at a previous game came back positive. [LNB]It was unclear on Thursday night whether Toure's sample contained traces of a recreational drug or one from the performance-enhancing list. [LNB] Headache: Kolo Toure was dropped forthe FA Cup win against Aston Villa[LNB]Sources suggested that the former Citycaptain may have taken an illegal dietary aid without knowing itcontained the substance. Even so, this will not be looked upon kindly by the FA. [LNB]Every athlete in the country is given a list of banned substances by UK Sport and it seems Toure did not consult this or indeed check his supplements with City's club doctor. [LNB]What is known is that Toure will not be able to play again until his 'B sample' is tested and the FA disciplinary process is complete.[LNB]If the substance were to be recreational, the former Arsenal player could also face criminal proceedings. [LNB]This is thought to be unlikely, given that Toure is a devout Muslim and does not even drink alcohol.[LNB] [LNB]The 29-year-old signed by MarkHughes for City two summers ago will certainly miss this weekend'sgame against Wigan and it would appear he is likely to miss asubstantial part, if not all, of the club's run-in. [LNB]Typical penalties for these offences run to between four and nine months. [LNB]A City statement released onThursday night said: 'Manchester City can confirm that the FA hasinformed Kolo Toure that an 'A sample' provided by him tested positivefor a specified substance. [LNB]'As a result of this, he has beensuspended from participating in all first-team matches pending theoutcome of the legal process.' [LNB]Ban for taking a supplementThe most recent suspension for the use of a dietary supplement saw Hamilton's Simon Mensing banned for a month.He unwittingly took a supplement that included Methylhexaneamine. It can boost the heart rate and has beenbanned since 2009. South African rugby players Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson have also tested positive for the substance. [LNB]The World Anti-Doping Agency definesa specified substance as one that is 'more susceptible to a credible,non-doping explanation'. [LNB]This would appear to rule out drugs such as cocaine or marijuana. [LNB]However, the WADA punishment for such a positive test ranges from a warning to a two-year ban. [LNB]A source close to the drug-testing procedure told Sportsmail last night: 'At the least, Toure has been very stupid. At worst, it could be more sinister.'[LNB]Toure joined City for ?14million in 2009, ending a seven-year association with Arsenal. [LNB]Gunners boss Arsene Wenger hadsigned him from Ivorian side Mimosas and he went on to captain Arsenalon a number of occasions before heading to Eastlands, where he servedas club captain under Hughes until he was succeeded by Carlos Tevez forthis season. [LNB]Known and respected throughout theBarclays Premier League as a true and honest professional, Toure shouldnevertheless be aware that punishments for doping offences do not oftenmake room for sentiment or excuses.[LNB] Problems: Toure's ban will force Roberto Mancini to reshuffle his defence[LNB]Former Sheffield United goalkeeperPaddy Kenny was banned for nine months after taking a stimulantcontained in a cold cure while Hamilton's Simon Mensing was suspendedfor four weeks. [LNB]Two South African rugby players werefound guilty of taking the banned substance methylhexaneamine in theUK, even though it had been cleared by SA authorities. [LNB]Toure's expected ban will leave Citymanager Roberto Mancini with a headache. Toure has formed an impressivecentral partnership with Belgian Vincent Kompany.[LNB] How the process worksWho has to take a drugs test?[LNB]Players are randomly selected and give their sample at half time. This is split into an 'A sample' and 'B sample'. If the A sample tests positive for a banned substance, the player is informed before the B sample is examined. The player can be present for the B sample test, which happens no more than five days after the A sample test. [LNB]What happens if the B sample comes back negative?[LNB]No further action is taken.[LNB]What are the banned substances?[LNB]There are 10 main groups: anabolic steroids, peptide hormones, growth factors, beta-2 agonists, hormone antagonists and modulators, masking agents, stimulants (such as cocaine), narcotics (such as heroin), cannabinoids (as found in cannabis) and glucocorticosteroids.[LNB]Are some substances treated as more serious than others? [LNB]Yes. A positive test for a 'performance-enhancing' drug results in an immediate FA disrepute charge. If the drug is only on the list of 'prohibited substances', the player will be interviewed by the FA to see if a disrepute charge is appropriate. Toure's alleged offence seems to be in the latter category. [LNB]And if he is found guilty?[LNB]Punishments for a positive test range from a warning to a two-year ban.[LNB]How could a player escape punishment?[LNB]He would have to prove 'no fault or negligence' in allowing the substance to enter his body. [LNB]Could the FA take action against Manchester City?[LNB]Only if more than two players from their team are found to have committed a doping offence. [LNB]ALEX KAY[LNB] Football's drug problemShamed: Adrian Mutu[LNB]Scotland and Rangers legend Willie Johnston was sent home from the 1978 World Cup after testing positive for fencamfamine. It was later determined that Reactivan, the hay fever medication Johnston was taking, had traces of a banned substance in it.[LNB]Diego Maradona became the most famous player to be banned when he was suspended for 15 months in 1991 after testing positive for cocaine. Three years later, he was sent home from the World Cup in the USA after testing positive for ephedrine following his wide-eyed goal celebration against Greece.[LNB]Australiangoalkeeper Mark Bosnich tested positive for cocaine while at Chelsea in2002. He was banned for nine months and sacked.[LNB]Chelsea were forced to act again in2004 when striker Adrian Mutu tested positive for cocaine. He wasbanned for seven months, sacked and later ordered to pay ?14.5mcompensation, which he is still fighting to overturn.[LNB]Middlesbroughdefender Abel Xavier was banned for 18 months in 2005 after testingpositive for dianabol, an anabolic steroid, after a UEFA Cup match.[LNB] DAN FRANCIS[LNB][LNB] Kolo Toure drugs shock: Suspended Manchester City defender in fight to avoid two-year banA shocking week for football: Rooney, Cole, Balotelli and Fergie in shameClatter II: Balotelli's booking makes mockery of Rooney escaping troubleAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Mark Bosnich, Carlos Tevez, Kolo Toure, Diego Maradona, Roberto Mancini Places: Scotland, Greece Organisations: World Anti-Doping Agency
