Anti-doping: Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester deny claims

Premier League clubs have come out fighting over allegations linking them to a doping scandal that has rocked the top tier of British sport.  The three Premier League clubs have denied “false” doping allegations made by the Sunday Times newspaper.

The paper claims London-based private doctor Mark Bonar prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to over 150 British athletes including footballers.

Arsenal said they were “extremely disappointed” by the publication of the claims, “which are without foundation”.

Chelsea said the claims are “false and entirely without foundation” while leaders Leicester also denied them. Chelsea added they have “never used the services of Dr Bonar and have no knowledge or record of any of our players having been treated by him or using his services”.

Leicester denied the allegations and added: “We are 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.”

The newspaper says it has secretly filmed Bonar claiming he has prescribed drugs such as EPO, steroids and human growth hormone to elite sports professionals from the UK and abroad over the past six years.

The Sunday Times says it has no independent evidence Bonar treated the footballers or the other sportsmen.

Bonar told the Sunday Times he treated the athletes for medical reasons and not to enhance their performance. There is no suggestion the substances were illegal.

The Football Association released a statement regarding the claims, saying: “These are very serious allegations. As such, The FA welcomes UK Anti-Doping’s decision to immediately launch an independent review into the matters raised by the Sunday Times.

“The FA is fully committed to maintaining the integrity of English football and will work with Ukad and other relevant agencies in seeking to do so. The FA urges anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward as soon as possible.”