Arsenal and Chelsea have today both issued statements denying the claims made by Dr. Mark Bonar in today's Sunday Times. In a number of secret recordings conducted by the paper, the doctor claimed he had treated footballers who have played with Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester City and Birmingham City.
The Sunday Times chose not to publish any names as they were unable to find independent evidence to support the claims.
Both London clubs have rubbished the claims by Dr. Bonar. An Arsenal statement read as follows:
Arsenal Football Club is extremely disappointed by the publication of these false claims which are without foundation.
The Sunday Times knows that these allegations are baseless but has preferred to publish regardless.
The club takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously and our players are well aware of what is expected.
We strictly adhere to all guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Chelsea have been equally forceful in their denial:
The claims The Sunday Times put to us are false and entirely without foundation.
Chelsea Football Club has never used the services of Dr Bonar and has no knowledge or record of any of our players having been treated by him or using his services.
We take the issue of performance enhancing drugs in sport extremely seriously and comply fully with all anti-doping rules and regulations.
Chelsea FC players are regularly and rigorously tested by the relevant authorities.
In the last few minutes, the Football Association have also released a statement over the decision by UK Anti-Doping to launch an investigation into the matter:
These are very serious allegations. As such, The FA welcomes UK Anti-Doping’s decision to immediately launch an independent review into the matters raised by the Sunday Times.
The FA is fully committed to maintaining the integrity of English football and will work with UKAD and other relevant agencies in seeking to do so.
The FA urges anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward as soon as possible.
It is believed that the UKAD council were aware of the situation regarding Dr. Bonar, but could not act as they have no jurisdiction over doctor's who are not governed by a sport. The council may face criticism, however, over their decision not to pass on the information to the General Medical Council.
