Xavier protests innocence after drugs test

MIDDLESBROUGH defender Abel Xavier has protested his innocence over his failed drugs test and said he never ‘intentionally doped’ himself.

The 32-year-old Portuguese international last night confirmed his ‘A’ sample had tested positive following his side’s 0-0 UEFA Cup draw with Skoda Xanthi in Greece on September 29. Xavier’s ‘B’ sample will be tested next week and the player has agreed to undergo a series of further tests in a bid to clear his name.

Part of Xavier’s statement read:

“I am convinced there is a reasonable and entirely harmless explanation for such positive finding, should it be confirmed by the analysis of the B-sample. In order to furnish this proof, I currently undergo a number of tests in which certain of my body fluids and tissues are analysed.

“Given the fact that the anti-doping regulations establish a purely objective responsibility (the athlete is guilty as of the moment when the most minor trace of a prohibited substance is found in his body), I currently have - and this is not easy - to furnish scientific and factual proof to establish if a prohibited substance is found in my body, this is by no means because I would have had the intention to ‘dope’ myself.

“I have never had this intention.”