Bangor striker Ben Arthurs has completed a three-month ban after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following an Irish Premiership game in March.
The 28-year-old was suspended by the County Down club in April, although at the time it was said the Seasiders were “unable to provide further details” while an investigation took place.
Arthurs was subject to the anti-doping test after his side faced Glentoran on 10 March.
A statement from UK Anti-Doping [UKAD] on Thursday said: “Analysis of Mr Arthurs’ sample returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF), for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.”
Under UKAD rules, athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions “if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance”.
Arthurs admitted to “ingesting cocaine for recreational purposes within a social setting” and an independent expert concluded that the use of the drug “most likely” took place before the day of the game, which Glentoran won 4-0.
With Arthurs’ having been issued with a provisional suspension on 7 April, his ban has been served and, having already returned to pre-season training, he is eligible to face Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park when Lee Feeney’s side begin their 2026-27 Irish Premiership campaign on 15 August.
It will be Arthurs’ ninth season at the club where he is the second top goalscorer in their history.
BBC NI approached the Irish Football Association for comment.
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