“The truth about drugs in football” last night was an eye opener for some on channel four, but it really wasn’t for those who play upper level sport.
From cocaine to anabolic steroids, authorities at the very top of the sport were not afraid to speak out at the problems facing football.
The most alarming and disgraceful part of the programme was when we discovered that the football association (the FA) KNEW FULL WELL about failed drug tests and instead of imposing the mandatory 2 year ban minimum, they either gave a warning or just a 2 month ban.
Indeed, a scottish international was caught 3 times, and still only received a 7 month ban!!!
The investigation went to the very heart of the game, and discovered some life threatening methods of performance enhancement at chelsea for instance, and the discovery that 3 current internationals for england visit a mysterious clinic in berlin for dubious regular injections.
It stands to reason when you think of it. In the most well paid game in the world with ridiculous salaries and a game that is needing bigger and stronger players, the temptation to cheat must be huge with these players. When money is involved, cheating is bound to take place and there seems to be a systemic risk throughout the game.
One of the most alarming stories was the number of spoilt tests at various clubs.
This means that either players ducked out of the test, the test was inconclusive or not followed up, was dubious with readings causing great suspicion, or plain illegal results.
It said on the programme that SWANSEA CITY were the biggest culprits of “spoilt” tests, you would never guess on their physical performances, which have been sadly lacking this year. 15 SPOILT TESTS, I REPEAT 15 SPOILT TESTS!!!!
I have commented on numerous occasions about the lack of physicality from our local team, their out of date training methods and how rugby now leaves football behind in the way they train and in sports nutrition.
Football is currently a disgrace with their testing system and acceptance of positive tests, check out the programme online “the truth about drugs in football” and this will back all what i have said up to the hilt!!!
If football implemented a cycling type thorough testing system, the shock waves would be enormous!!!
