Brazilian footballer Gabriel Barbosa of Flamengo, after a two-year ban until April 2025, guaranteed that he “never” tried to “cheat or interfere” with any anti-doping tests.
On Monday evening, “Fla” reported a decision, subject to appeal, by the Brazilian Sport Anti-Doping Court, which accuses “Gabigol”, as he is also known, of obstructing a test carried out on April 8, 2023 at the training center of the Rio de Janeiro emblem.
“I am disappointed with the outcome of the trial, but I will continue to cooperate with the sports authorities and am confident that my innocence will be proven and restored by a higher court,” the striker wrote on the social network Sanction.
The former Benfica player, who had a fleeting spell at Lusha in 2017 and scored just one goal in five games, added that he had “never” tried to “obstruct or deceive any examination”.
The striker will not be able to play until April 2025, as the sanction began on the day of the aforementioned anti-doping control.
“From the very beginning of my football career, I always followed the rules of the game and never used prohibited substances. I have undergone dozens of tests, all of which have always been negative, which reinforces my commitment to my work.” the club and the Brazilian fans,” he concluded.
According to the sports prosecutor’s office, the striker violated the testing protocols, as well as the agents responsible for collecting samples from Flamengo players that day.
In 18 cases, the Brazilian did not want to take a test before training, as established by the regulations, he went to lunch and only later agreed to take a urine test, which he also took irregularly, receiving a negative result.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.