|
|
|
 |
 |
| Mutu gets nine-month ban |
 |
Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has been banned for nine months after testing positive for banned substance sibutramine earlier this year.
Mutu is furious at the length of the ban and may now decide to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. If the decision stands he will be ruled out until October 29 as he has already been suspended for two months.
The Romania international has already been banned for seven months in the past after testing positive for cocaine while playing for Chelsea.
A statement on Fiorentina's website read: "Nine-month ban for Adrian Mutu - this is the decision taken by the anti-doping tribunal regarding the positive test for the substance sibutramine by the Viola player. The ban will end on October 29, 2010.
"The Viola player had been suspended since January 29 after the positive tests following the game against Bari on January 10 and Lazio on January 20 in the Italian Cup.''
Mutu had told prosecutors that the traces of sibutramine found in his tests were the result of slimming tablets given to him for his mother.
"I feel this is a harsh punishment,'' Mutu said. "It seems too much. I expected less because, yes, the mistake was made, it's right to pay, but not so much. I would like to add that I am sorry for having left Fiorentina without my services for the next few months, both for the club and for the fans.''
Fiorentina have vowed to stand by Mutu and reiterated their support for the player.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
