Bangor forward Ben Arthurs has finished a three-month suspension following a failed drug test conducted after an Irish Premiership match in March. The 28-year-old was initially suspended by his club in April pending an investigation.
Testing performed by UK Anti-Doping revealed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a substance derived from cocaine, in a sample taken after a game against Glentoran on March 10. Arthurs received the shortened three-month ban after successfully demonstrating that the drug was ingested for recreational reasons outside of a sports performance context.
An independent review supported his claim, concluding the substance was likely consumed prior to the match day. Having already served the suspension, which began provisionally on April 7, Arthurs has rejoined his teammates for pre-season training. He is cleared to play in Bangor’s season opener against Cliftonville on August 15. This marks the beginning of Arthurs’ ninth year with the team, where he remains their second-highest all-time goalscorer.
