Irish Sports Council to investigate doping claim against Drogheda player

The Irish Sports Council is to investigate an allegation of doping by a Drogheda United player in a recent League of Ireland match against Bohemians.

Shane Grimes of Drogheda United contacted the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland on Tuesday to arrange a meeting with them about the allegation.

The PFAI have said that they met with Grimes today who explained the circumstances around the allegation.

The PFAI said: "He took an energy supplement known as Jack3d which unknown to him contained a banned stimulant called methylhexaneamine otherwise known as MHA. He believed he was consuming an energy drink and is both shocked and dismayed to find that it contains a banned substance."

Grimes has today written to the Irish Sports Council admitting the offence but will be relying on the provisions of Article 10.3.1 of the Irish Doping rules which allows a player to adduce evidence that he did not intend to enhance sporting performance.

The PFAI said: "Shane is a player with a flawless record and is distraught to find himself in this position. It is not appropriate to make any further comment at this point except to say that he will take whatever steps are necessary to prove his integrity in this matter."

The Irish Sports Council hearing will take place on 17 July.