Football
PA Sport 9y

Wolves goalkeeper Aaron McCarey hit with four-month ban for drugs

Wolves goalkeeper Aaron McCarey has been suspended for four months by the Football Association after failing an out-of-competition drug test.

McCarey was suspended by the Sky Bet Championship club in May after testing positive for a non-performance enhancing substance.

Following the conclusion of an FA hearing this week, the sanction has been backdated to April 21 -- the date of the original suspension -- with the remaining time suspended for a two-year period.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett told the club's official website: "Aaron has maintained all along that he has no idea how the drug entered his system.

"Medical and scientific analysis, commissioned by the Professional Footballers' Association [PFA] on behalf of Aaron, and including a hair follicle test requested by the player himself, also showed that the trace amount was very small and backed up Aaron's statement.

"However, all of our players are aware of the club and the FA's policy when it comes to substance abuse, and all are responsible for anything which enters their body.

"So while we have supported Aaron throughout, both he and the club understand and accept today's sanction from the FA."

McCarey has also been fined by the FA and will have to pay the costs of the hearing, and must also complete a education and counselling course in discussion with the PFA.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international will also be subject to Wolves' internal disciplinary procedures, which the club state will remain confidential.

Speaking about his punishment, McCarey, who is now available to be selected for competitive fixtures, said: "I can categorically state I genuinely have no idea how the trace of the drug entered my system.

"However, there is no disputing the tests which were carried out and I have accepted full responsibility and I apologise.

"This has been a very difficult time for me and my family, and I intend to learn from this experience and improve myself both as a person and as a professional footballer."

McCarey joined Wolves in 2010 but has made just five appearances for the club.

News of his ban follows that of Sheffield United forward Jose Baxter, who was also suspended by his club and the FA in May.

The 23-year-old was hit with a five-month ban for a banned substance but he will be available for the start of the forthcoming season after serving the punishment over the summer.

Hull midfielder Jake Livermore was also recently suspended following a positive test for cocaine and he is still awaiting punishment from the governing body.

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