Manchester United Charged With Breaching UEFA's Anti-Doping Regulations

Manchester United have been charged and hit with a fine by UEFA in relation to breaching the governing body's anti-doping regulations after the Europa League final.

The Red Devils, who won the Europa League by beating Ajax 2-0 at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on May 24, have been ordered to pay a fine of €10,000 (£8,950).

In addition, defenders Daley Blind and Phil Jones have got themselves in a spot of bother.

Image: PA

According to the Press Association, Blind has been fined €5,000 (£4,475) or not adhering to the doping procedure, while Jones has been hit the same fine, along with a two-game ban in Europe for alleged abuse to a doping control officer when asked to partake in a drugs test.

There is no suggestion whatsoever of any wrongdoing in terms of doping, rather that the two were reluctant to comply with the standard procedure as they wanted to celebrate their second trophy of the season with teammates.

Jones is reported to have used "insulting" and "abusive" language as he refused a test, with Blind also failing to comply.

Image: PA

Further updates have emerged from Mike Keegan from the Daily Mail, who reports that Jones gave blood and urine samples but verbally abused officials as he was unhappy at missing out on a team photoshoot arranged in honour of the Manchester terror attack that occurred at the Manchester Arena two days before the final.

Jose Mourinho and the United squad except Jones, posed with a banner which contained the message "Manchester - A City United #PrayForManchester".

Paul Hirst fromThe Times has also followed up on the story, and says Jones is likely to appeal his charge.

While the fines are peanuts for the club and the two players, the ban for Jones is a particularly big blow given that fellow defender Eric Bailly is already suspended for two European games following his dismissal against Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.

Jones, like Bailly, will be unavailable for next week's Super Cup showdown with Champions League winners Real Madrid next week, as well as United's opening Champions League group game.

Image: PA

More to follow.

Topics: Europa League final, Manchester United, Old Trafford

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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