Rio Ferdinand’s ban for failing to show up for a drugs test has rightly been a frustration to Manchester United fans, given that Manchester City’s Christian Negouai also failed to attend a drugs test in 2003 and received no ban.
Channel 4′s Dispatches has today shown we have even more reasons to feel aggrieved, with 240 drugs tests being abandoned between April 2007 and August 2010 after players failed to attend. More than 20 of these tests occurred at Premier League clubs, including four failed tests at City and Everton, one at Liverpool and five at Fulham.
Not only have the FA not banned these players, they’ve swept it under the carpet. It’s hard to believe they hung Rio out to dry for committing exactly the same offence.
Just last month Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the FA treated us like “shit”. How can anyone disagree with that anymore?
——–
FA target United – Proof
Daniel Taylor on FA’s unfair treatment
How can managers avoid FA charges?
Swear Watch
Man Utd News 24/7
UTTER CUNTS.
nough said.
Heads should roll for this absolute travesty of justice.
The shameful bias will continue unabated should nothing be made of this clear violation of fair play and equal treatment for all. United must immediately declare their insistence on retroactive action being taken against the FA members responsible for this outrage.
Further, financial reparation to Rio and to United should be effected, or our agreed financial rewards from Television should be revoked immediately, and our own arrangements made with the Media that earns half of it’s advertising money from matches involving United.
Makes me feel absolutely sick that does. However am not surprised.
All athletes ask why less talented/poorly trained competitors blow them away. Answer: Blood doping. Maybe not a problem for seniors you say. But the problem affects all of us. Our kids. Our neighbors kids.
Q:12yo kids/why not me? That kid is bigger, better.
Look at Rugby players. Is that natural. Look at players coming back from injury in half the expected time. Is that natural. Problems at various levels. We love it when our players play sooner. But how does this affect all of us, down to our kids in school.
What do you say to a 12yr old who just put on 10 stone and is being pipped for england ruggers? Then fails due to lack of tallent and ends up with agression issues due to yrs of androgen addiction.
One can see both sides. But the negatives to society and sport fairness probably win any bet for me.
Remember the russian/eastern block womens teams of the 60s? Scarry! Scary and sterile to the last member of those squads. Sorry for the repost
Reposted the last. Sorry if a bit off topic.
As to Rio. Criminal! The FA and antidoping clearly target United. No Doubt, Full stopl
FletchTHEMAN – Repeating yourself? Forgetful? Stop the narcotics before they stop you!
Hahaha Chelsie FC getting ripped on #Dispatches.
Blood doping with Iron started with Italians under Renieri. Yeah the same italians who brought doping to all aspects of cylcing and endurance sports in in 80′s and 90′s. No proof. Ok, but sounds about right.
Yeah mates, it predates the Russians and CSCALandon!
United should seek damages on the basis of unfair discrimination; my mum is a lawyer and she says they’d definitely have a case on thus evidence except they may be time barred, it being 5 yrs from Rio ban, though this new info may give rise to the right to start time running and sue the FA bastards for damages for the players wages during ban and punitive damages for unfair, unreasonable and irrational and discriminatory decisions.
FA is a state body so their decisions are subject to judicial review plus there is the international court of arbitration.
I have to admit, I had questions about the FA but the sheer scale of this is staggering. There HAS to be some king of reaction. If not they will just continue.
Does anyone who watched the show know if they contrasted Rio case with the treatment of others?
Don’t care how much people wank over the invincibles, that was one championship ripped away from us.
I wonder if money changed hands to get those clubs off the hook.
Something needs to be done about this. Gill should put this on the agenda for the next FA meeting.
Rio wasn’t even mentioned.
Fergs would rip our players a new one if they were involved in this shit and there’s no way they could hide it from him. That’s what made the Rio thing an utter joke. You might doubt Rio but never doubt the boss.
I’m still convinced Kenny is putting his happy pills in the water at Anfailed.
His name is Rio and his career was nearly canned
Justice was ever twisted by the FA’s hand
And now Despatches really show we understand
How Rio Ferdinand was the only player banned
willierednut. In case it hasn’t dawned on your innocence, Rio would never be mentioned in a program about dopers! There wasnt EVER ANY EVIDENCE. Only a missed drugs test!
Just ribbin ya mate.
Naughty of me I know, a bit of fun!
Happy pills at Antfields. Ha hahaha. Spewed my suds on that. La. That brought a tear!
Rio was tested. His blood levels revealed pure 100% classic center half White stay on your feet magic!
It’s not a conspiracy – conspiracies are such that they cannot be proven. Hence;
The FA’s double standards against Manchester United are without question.
It’s not just Rio’s drug test though is it – and that’s where the bone of contention lies
It’s everything – it’s players being signalled out being banned in non official games – compared to other’s that never did
It’s being made a scapegoat of – timeless and endless
It’s being made an example of – something which Brooking last year clearly stated on tv when Rooney got done for the camera incident.
It’s the constant spotlight on SAF when at the same time all managers are saying equal or worse
Dalglish after his bullshit of respecting referees and dissing SAF last year – this year he blatantly says on tv he’ll have to talk to his owners on how to respond to the injustices that refs are doing to his team – correct me if I’m wrong – he openly questioned the impartiality of refs yet nothing happens to him?
I couldn’t give a fuck about Liverpool – but what Dalglish said was either just as bad as SAF and therefore the book should be thrown at him or he didn’t say fuck all which means again our gaffer gets done for no reason other than let’s have United in the shits again.
I’m glad before the season started SAF accused the FA of treating United like shit – it was welcome beyond belief – because I assure you they will be after SAF and United and they can’t wait for us to fail and those newbies around the block to take over.
Only we don’t fucking read scripts – we write them ourselves.
19
Dont you guys believe in karma? Let those suckers continue to treat us unfairly. We’ll just keep on winning Premier League trophies!
@Willie. We agree there buddy. Rio=100% Highest grade Center half!!
I missed the program, who was the “big premier league player who failed a drug test and was transfered with-out the buying clubs knowledge?” My money was on Torres, surely estrogen tablets following his sex cange are allowed
SAF is the only one who calls out the FA for this crap.
If some of the united players would stand up for him and maybe even refuse to play, that might send a message.
Much like RedNev did that one time….
That’s why we love him.
Let’s face it, there’s only apathy around the failings of the FA. Joe public doesn’t give a shit. The media doesn’t give a shit except when team England bomb big time in a tournament, and then they just go after the manager. So why did Capello get away with it after South Africa? Because he treats the players like shit and the media likes that better.
Things like transparency in disciplinarary committees, consistency in refereeing, independent oversight of games (instead of the journos nominating who to charge); all of this is irrelevant. So too the hours of government in their latest inquest into systemic failure in the game.
The FA make greater cunts of themselves trawling round the international associations touting for votes for England’s WC bid, armed like medieval priests with their relics – Dianasboy and Beckham – somehow oblivious to the fact that they couldn’t build a bloody stadium on time and on budget, and taking the mirthful ‘yeah, right’ as a firm pledge of support.
And they are shielded from everything. A loathsome, useless club. And until enough public outrage over them is generated, the club goes on. Mostly I wish the players would stop salivating like pavlov’s dog over their call ups and see it for what it is, another version of la Somme, the lions led by mules, destined to failure.
Sorry guys, I ought to have deleted this but I needed to vent.
@Tonka Norris no need for an apology , nail on the head comes straight to mind .
I feel /know United have constantly suffered at the hands of the FA . Id not go quite as far as comparing them to FIFA and Blatter but it cant be far off,how bad is that . We United should take a civil case against them for monies lost during the period of Rios ban . If they contest it what a can of worms that would open .
Another contributor has rightly pointed out the FA do rely on our apathy . we get outraged and stew in our own juices ,then calm down ,but nothing changes .Its an old boys club on expenses . A national disgrace .
that is so totally fucked.
The tests that were missed were unscheduled (surprise) tests, whereas Rio missed a test which was pre-scheduled. I think that’s why he got the ban and other players didn’t. harsh punishment, but he was still an idiot for turning up.
*sorry, an idiot for NOT turning up :p
Rio should take them to court for discrimination against his red skin. FACT!!!!
And people wonder why there’s a siege mentality at our club and among our fans.
Arseholes the lot of em- and we still win everything regardless.
Fuck em.
Hate to play devils advocate BUT the issue here is that 240 odd players were not where they were meant to be as the clubs had changed their training schedule/location at short notice without informing the FA.
The clubs changing the location of training is not the players fault.
Rio missed a test he knew he was supposed to be at but then forgot about, tghe players fault not the clubs.
Have i missed something here or are we just choosing to hear half the facts/argument?
Some are over reacting some what…… Some obviously watch didn’t but just comment.
The ‘abandoned’ tests aren’t the same as Rio’s offence. Rio’s offence was the player himself missing the drugs test when the testers were there. “Abandoned” tests were ones that were abandoned because of the club, as it said in the report, moving training sessions from regular times so the testing couldn’t take place.
@Supatrice:
player is Garry O’Connor, now dnt ask me how he’s “big premier league player”
Amazing that not one person that commented above has an argument to counter what Bob da Builder or i have said. Happy to just listen to the hype, post pro united rubbish and then ignore the facts.
For the record i do think the FA treat united like shit but bandwagon jumping like this is pathetic.
Bet i dont get a reply from Scott either.
Pick your battles folks, coz this one just makes us look like united fans with chips on our shoulders.
Didn’t see the show, but change of training time doesn’t seem like a solid reason to abandon a drug test. Therefore any player known to be juicing and gets called for testing, the club just needs to change training schedule to get test abandoned??? I thought testing was extremely important and given notice the players could bunk of training i’m sure.
classwithabrass
You are amazed that 40 minutes has passed without a response to Bob and your comment?
You are a self-absorbed moron.
Why has no one responded to my comment of 2 minutes ago? Wake up!
Perhaps Bob and classwithabrass are not the centre of our Universe?
Also did Rio not show several hours late for testing? therefore supplying a sample which was clear???
@classwithbrass and Bob Da Builder, In addition to smartalex’s comment and as José McG pointed out, Rio did show up for the drug test a bit late but well within the stipulated time. And when he actually did take the test, he was cleared. So, you can pretty obviously see that, while he did commit an offense, it was not to the tune of an 8-month ban. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
Plus, we are not talking only about abandoned tests here, from what I read, the Dispatches programme also pointed out 100s of missed drug tests. Who are all these players who “missed” their tests and were not charged, while Rio was banned for 8 months.
Save the sanctimonious and patronizing tone for elsewhere. Most of us here are pretty level-headed to know when to have a go at the F.A. and when to be calm and measured in our approach. If you think showing the F.A. for what they are after Rio’s ban while countless others went unpunished for the same crime amounts to over-reaction, then you are probably over-reacting to our clear and calm reactions.
Balaji – Hello buddy!
I am very unhappy that it took you 27 minutes to respond. I want everyone to talk to me!
ps – Your calm and measured response at 11:51 is typical of our sensible community, and well stated to boot! Excellent, as always!
@smartalex, Hiya buddy! Sorry about that, I responded within one minute now. Is it fine?
@ Balaji – Now you’re just showing off!
@ Balaji
Did you watch the program?
The missed 100′s of tests are the “Abandoned” tests by the FA. as it said in the report, moving training sessions from regular times so the testing couldn’t take place.
Rio’s was self inflicted, the thick prick had a specific TIME, DATE & PLACE with the FA test board…. he forgot.
He came late submitted a sample, was clean! Ban him 8 months???? Cant be right!! Can only happen to Utd.
Bob Da Builder
Instead of calling Rio names, you might respond to Balaji and José McG who both refer to the fact that Rio was not guilty of anything other than a few minutes tardiness for which he received an 8 month ban, yet hundreds of players who were deliberately prevented from undergoing testing were not even reported to the public. It is absolutely criminal that 1 player is made the scapegoat in a ridiculously over-zealous crackdown intended to be a message to Football that tests are not to be missed, never mind flagrantly avoided; yet several hundred are then allowed to ignore tests they are bound to undergo.
You show pathetic bias and ignorance in your sour commentary. Please address the facts rather than pontificate senseless bile.
Finally i get some attention!!
@José McG
Rio supplied his sample within 2 days, not the same day.
‘Ferdinand claimed he then contacted the club to offer to take the test, but was told it was too late.
He provided a negative urine sample within two days and has never previously tested positive in his entire career’
He missed his test, the players in the programme were not where they stated they would be at no fault of their own so they are abandoned tests. Rio knew and forgot- an innocent mistake, yes, but my point is you cannot compare these cases.
@Balaji Sivaraman- your mate smartalex calling for heads to roll isnt exactly what i would call a calm reaction.
You mention 100s of missed drug tests but without us knowing the circumstances (also over what time scale, that could be since 2003?) of each its impossbile to comment. There are thousands of tests a year, so i’d imagine there will be 100′s of missed tests for different legit reasons. Ever missed a meeting or been late for work? That city player was stuck in traffic trying to get to his test so he got banned accordingly. Each case has to be dealt with on a human level without one blanket law.
Another example- people on here compared Rooney being banned for swearing directly down a camera with people being filmed on the pitch whilst swearing. The two cannot be compared and yet we got ‘swear watch’.
@smartalex
Firstly it wasn’t a couple of minute…. it HOURS.
Hundreds of players who were deliberately prevented from undergoing testing were not even reported to the public, because the FA abandoned the tests because training sessions was moving from regular times so the testing couldn’t take place.
Seriously… i didn’t come here for an argument, but I’m soon realising some fans for truly fucking deluded.
out of here…..
smartalex – Hello mate. Amusing post at 11.25 How dare nobody respond within 25 minutes!
King Eric – Hello buddy. Yes, it would seem that we are supposed to stand to attention while refreshing the page every minute, so that we may instantly respond to idiots that rarely contribute and only moan when they do.
Bob Da Builder
What did you come here for? Pray tell, that we may be all that you require of us.
@smartalex He came here to voice an opinion which differs from yours. He also had the audacity to back it up with argument. Mental isnt it. You keep sniping at him but don’t produce any facts. Heads should roll and a shit song is your contribution to this argument. Played son
classwithabrass
I voiced an opinion. You did the sniping. Now you prefer your sarcasm to my ditty.
You don’t know how to play nicely, and Bob won’t stay unless everyone agrees with him.
Enjoy the blog, instead of moaning that you are not spoken to instantly.
Benfica v Man United – A look back at three of the most important duels between the two giants of Euroepan football!
http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/manchester-united-travel-to-benfica-a-historic-clash-for-the-red-devils/
Still wont argue the facts. Amazing. Thats for replying so quick though.
http://whatculture.com/tv/tv-review-dispatches-the-truth-about-drugs-in-football.php
No, I did not watch the program (quite obvious since I don’t live in the U.K.), but I have read many extensive articles about it today. The one I linked above is just one of them.
It demonstrates that countless players have even failed drug test over the many years since Rio was banned for being late to a drug test and then passing it with flying colors. In case, you did not read my original post, I mentioned “missed” within quotes, which means whatever the reason maybe, the drug test did not happen at the stipulated time. I know anyone can provide countless reasons, but a drug test – AFAIK – is just about coming to the location and providing a sample of your blood. It cannot be too hard for a player to do.
And in many cases the time is specifically chosen when a player is most vulnerable to be caught out. So, if it does not happen, there is a chance that the player can clear later quite easily. You can argue that this was the case with Rio as well, but evidence shows that he was ready to take the test on the same day and came within the time as well, but the “testing party” decided not to dignify him by doing so. This is in stark contrast to re-scheduling which gives player and club enough time to clear him off his drugs.
Yes, I agree that each has to be taken on a case by case basis. I can be late for a meeting on purpose and provide a lame excuse and escape. That is one thing. But being late for a drug test where your honor is on the line and providing a lame excuse is another thing. Imagine a witness or an accused being late for a court hearing; that would be the obvious comparison to make. Legitimate or not, it is the responsibility of the player and the club he is representing to make sure the test is taken on time.
Abandoned or otherwise, these tests did not happen when they were supposed to – whether that be due to the player (as in Rio’s case) or the club (as you point out) who are clearly benefactors of the player is irrelevant. If the F.A. were transparent about the whole process, they would’ve taken action either against the player or the club for these cases. If not, at least these cases would’ve been made available to the public along with the times when the tests were re-taken so that we can make our own judgment.
That it needed investigative journalism to bring this information out into the public is telling. It clearly demonstrates that the F.A., the players whose tests were abandoned and the clubs they represent have something to hide.
So lets get this straight Rio misses an announced drug test . He provides what amount to clear samples and recognised as such albeit late . But then gets an 8 monther for missing the original test ! Mean while players testing positive are shielded to assist them to rehabilitate . Without this Dispatches disclosure non of us would be aware there is a drug problem on the scale it appears to be .Either in testing proceedure or the way the FA chooses to deal with the guilty.
I dont know about you but i think Rio thick as he was , still got the thin end of the wedge (shafted )
classwithabrass
It is you that posts without facts.
Also, you want an argument, not me. I have replaced my vehicle gate motor, and submitted several invoices for QS work done, as well as fed my dogs in the last 3 hours. I do not live in anticipation of your expectations.
You are a just a fool looking for trouble.
@ smartalex
Bob De Builder really didn’t want to reply…..
your comment
“”Bob won’t stay unless everyone agrees with him”"
Are that fucking deluded? seriously your a idiot, have a close look at the 3 posts below, I’m constantly repeating myself with the same FACTS, yet you are that totally lost in own fancy world you flying around cookoos.
post one
“Some are over reacting some what…… Some obviously watch didn’t but just comment.
The ‘abandoned’ tests aren’t the same as Rio’s offence. Rio’s offence was the player himself missing the drugs test when the testers were there. “Abandoned” tests were ones that were abandoned because of the club, as it said in the report, moving training sessions from regular times so the testing couldn’t take place.”
post two
@ Balaji
Did you watch the program?
The missed 100′s of tests are the “Abandoned” tests by the FA. as it said in the report, moving training sessions from regular times so the testing couldn’t take place.
Rio’s was self inflicted, the thick prick had a specific TIME, DATE & PLACE with the FA test board…. he forgot.
post three
@smartalex
Firstly it wasn’t a couple of minute…. it HOURS.
Hundreds of players who were deliberately prevented from undergoing testing were not even reported to the public, because the FA abandoned the tests because training sessions was moving from regular times so the testing couldn’t take place.
Seriously… i didn’t come here for an argument, but I’m soon realising some fans for truly fucking deluded.
out of here…..
You really are deluded…. take a reality check & come out of cookoo land.
There was an article in Soccernet that particularly said Rio’s case was a different one because he failed to show up even though he was informed of the time and place in advance, while the others were not informed..
Bob Da Builder shouldn’t build his foundations in a quagmire of frustration.
Having a bad day, Bob?
hahahahaha sorry mate…… I’ve had nicer days. Please forgive my harshness.
Nice one Bob!
It’s all good! No resentment required or desired. I am interested in your views on Balaji’s considered response at 14:11.
@smartalex
I did miss balaji post, although i feel hes answered most of his own questions; in reality the club can change its training schedule to suit the club not the FA its not as if they don’t change game days or teams get caught in volcanic ash clouds….. if the FA want to test the whole team then they need agree a time, date & place.. (Has with Rio). in most cases i see the FA would just turn pu at the club.(not fact)
Bob Da Builder
If I may offer an admittedly over-simplified view?
- Several thousand tests were scheduled.
- Several hundred tests were not completed.
- One footballer was punished.
The footballer that was punished was not guilty of the crime that the test exists to prevent.
His punishment for tardiness was an 8 month ban from earning his daily bread.
Where I live, you get a suspended sentence if the policeman that you kill is out of uniform.
I think Rio was unfairly treated.
@ Bob the builder and classwithabrass
One more “FACT” Toure got 6 months for testing positive for a banned substance, 3 of which are off season, does this not seem unfair when Rio never even tested positively yet got 8?? and as said, Rio called to say he could be back to take the test, but the testers being so busy with collecting footballers piss couldn’t wait.
As for the Rooney swearing, he actually swore to the sound man and not down the camera the camera may have been close but the camera was also close to Kenny Dalglish when he told Wenger to F@&K off, yet no touchline ban there nor was it even acknowledged by the FA.
FIFA, UEFA, and the FA they all have something in common,
Rio was guilty of missing the initial test. He showed up late but the testers had left or packed up or whaterver. So Rio was charged with that offense. It is pretty simple. I would have no problem with the charge and punishment, IF that charge and punishment was the standard. The amazing thing about the Dispaches program is that it shows otherwise. It shows that RIO WAS THE ONLY ONE TO BE SIMILARLY TREATED in the face of many more egregious offenses.
You might take issue with my comment that Rio was guilty. But the simple facts in the drugs enforcement law is that a “missed drugs test” is an offense. Balij and several others seem to get this point. You can argue about other mitigating circumstances, but it was and offense. Ok, lets move on. Rio and the club have. I have moved on. Rio got screwed, but it provided WADA and FA an opportunity to change the culture. The FA have clearly NOT followed up and have clearly failed to clean up the sport.
As I said yesterday evening 21:23 the issue that needs focus is getting drugs out of sport because it is killing and screwing up kids. If kids see less talented kids doping and succeeding in schools sport, what does that tell you. It took years to get blood doping out of cycling. Now, we don’t have athletes dropping dead in the Tour de France because they were on uppers. It is a long road, but a worthy one to get drugs out of sport. If you ask me, Rio appears to be an opportunity all but wasted.
The testers wouldnt hang around a few minutes for Rio to get to Carrington. Once again United were shafted.
Makes you wonder what else gets covered under the carpet? I’ve heard of clubs dealing with players internally without informing the FA and just telling the press they are injured!
why bring this up all of a sudden? an incidence occurred 8 years ago….
lununcle
Did you read Scott the Red’s article at the top of this page?
@José McG
Can you please pass BOTH of the case notes for Toure & Rio so can give a fair & u bias view unlike yourself…. .
do you have problem staying on topic? what the fuck as Rooney swearing or any other got to with this topic? but to answer point dickhead, both managers WASN@T TALKING DIRECTLY IN TO THE CAMERA
I wish some would really think about this FA conspiracy theory – thingy!, SAF was the one who when to war with the FA, calling after most refs….. now its not as if theses Refs cover any other games now is it – its not as if any other team in the whole of england as bad decisions going against now is it?
When a mangers go out to of their way to insult a Ref, in most cases its to cover their players mistakes or divert attention in the press – too take the heat away. SAF is a master of this tactic. The FA are right to punish managers whether it be Wenger or SAF or who ever try this….
@bob da builder
I agree with the fact that we are not the only club on the end of bad decisions ! However i have seen consistantly over the years United used by the FA to set an example
Gary Neville kisses the badge in front of away supporters £5000 fine . Same season Joey Barton for Citeh shows his a**e to the away support £2000 fine. Its a small but relevant example .
The vast majority of fans while not out and out cynics about the FA harbour deep mistrust of any decision they make . simply because they are so out of touch with the terraces and the feelings of supporters. The major issue for me at the moment is FIFA and Blatter where are our FA ? they abstain from one vote ! Our press and MP’s are left to crusade against the obvious corruption in FIFA.
While this thread is aimed at the drug testing policy which we all support in any sport . It does open up the deepening mistrust of the FA and its unspoken agenda .
Rio was a cock for missing the test ,im sure he knows it to . It cost us dearly that season but 8 months ? where is the consistancy ? If it was meant as a tough example . Then as some one has already pointed out they have completely missed it through inconsistancy.
@Bobthebuilder (Who’s the nob-head off topic now, ie: topic of FA using different levels of punishment depending on the club the player is from and not the Crime committed!!!)
as stated in the first line of my comment I was replying to “Classwithabrass” also
“classwithabrass says:
Finally i get some attention!!
@José McG…………
Another example- people on here compared Rooney being banned for swearing directly down a camera with people being filmed on the pitch whilst swearing. The two cannot be compared and yet we got ‘swear watch’.”
Forgive me for not giving you my undivided attention, Prick.
Sorry but i’m not privy to case notes on either case just whats in the public domain as i’m sure is the case with you. But It is widely reported that Kolo Toure tested positive for a banned substance which he claimed came from a slimming tablet he had borrowed from his wife. As said before he got 6 months, Will try and get more in-depth details for you tho.
@wiuru, I appreciate your level and balanced comment, your words have had a calming effect on my input.
@ Jose McG
Np we are all trying to adress a difficult issue .
@King Eric
Said
“The testers wouldnt hang around a few minutes for Rio to get to Carrington. Once again United were shafted.”
Rio had left Carrington park, what the fuck are on about? some really do have their head up there arse…..
Bob Da Builder = classwithabrass ??
I’d thought u’re the same person. no?
@Bob Da Builder
Yes the testers did refuse to wait. Rio left the ground in a hurry, something to do with moving house at the time, phone contact could not be made for over an hour, and when contact was made and Rio returned to Carrington the testers had left and refused to return. It may have been more than a few minutes, Granted…
still mixing up the facts that missing a drugs test when you knew about it and missing one where testers turn up at a predetermined location unannounced but the player is not there due to their club changing their schedule i.e out of a players control are two different things and therefore punishments cannot be compared.
Even though I do feel unjust here, I have to say this;
Missing a drug test should be, and often is, treated as a failed drug test. Granted, Rio came back, and produced a clean test two days later. But still, who knows what you can get out of your system in two days? Im not conspiring here, try to see my point.
BUT: The real unjust, is the fact that Toure got LESS punishment when he got caught. If you get caught red handed in the Olympics, you get two years, dont you?
@NorwegianRed
I suppose if the FA believed Toure was taking slimming pills and not using this as an excuse/way to cover using performance enhancing other drugs, and after their investigations they had evidence to support this then it comes back to what you said about the ‘chance’ Rio could have been up to something and the FA not being able to investigate.