Middlesbrough's Nathaniel Mendez-Laing reacts after reason for Cardiff City sacking is explained

The 28-year-old, who joined Boro as a free agent last month, was found to have breached Anti-Doping Regulations after providing an in-competition urine sample which was found to contain metabolites of cocaine once subsequently analysed.

Cocaine is classified as a prohibited substance in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA], meaning Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was charged by the FA and provisionally suspended for three months from August 2020.

Mendez-Laing admitted the charge but was able to explain that the substance had been taken out-of-competition and was unrelated to sporting performance.

The player said: “With the help of family, friends, my agent & the PFA I have been able to overcome personal hurdles, focus & invest my time in working hard, determined to return to football.

“I appreciate the support and now want to leave that period of my life in the past - where it belongs.”

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