Soccer:Drogheda United's Shane Grimes has admitted to taking an energy drink containing a banned stimulant but insisted he did not knowingly do so. The defender has written to the Irish Sports Council, who will hear the case on July 17th, to clarify his stance.
His defence will rely on Article 10.3.1 of the Irish Doping regulations, which allows a player "to adduce evidence that he did not intend to enhance sporting performance".
Grimes approached the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland on Tuesday after recent media speculation “surrounding an allegation of doping” at the 1-1 draw with Bohemians on May 11th last, according to the PFAI.
He has claimed he drank an “energy supplement known as Jack3d” but was not aware it contained banned substance “methylhexaneamine”, otherwise known as MHA.
“He believed he was consuming an energy drink and is both shocked and dismayed to find that it contains a banned substance,” the statement continued.
“Shane is a player with a flawless record and is distraught to find himself in this position. It is not appropriate to make any further comment at this point except to say that he will take whatever steps are necessary to prove his integrity in this matter.”
