Jose Baxter: Sheffield United player given suspended drugs ban

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Jose Baxter has made 57 appearances for Sheffield United, scoring 16 goals

Sheffield United midfielder Jose Baxter has been given a five-month ban for a failed drugs test - but will be able to play at the start of the season.

Baxter was suspended by the club in May after he failed an out-of-competition test, but denied any wrongdoing.

The 23-year-old was found guilty at a Football Association personal hearing.

However the remaining three months of the ban have been suspended for two years so he is available for the Blades' first league game on 8 August.

91热爆 Radio Sheffield reports that at the hearing last week, Baxter denied any intentional wrongdoing, adding the traces of ecstasy found in his system were as a result of his drink being spiked.