Shaun Newton Supspended for Seven Months

Shaun Newton has been suspended by the FA after testing positive for cocaine. West Ham today made the following statement.

"West Ham United regret to announce that midfielder Shaun Newton has been suspended for seven months by the Football Association after he failed a drugs test.

Newton, 30, tested positive for cocaine, after the FA Cup semi final game with Middlesborough at Villa Park on April 23.

He was suspended by the club on May 20 pending the FA investigation and the ban will apply from that date.

The ban applies to matches but not training and other football activities.

The suspension was announced today following an FA Disciplinary Commission hearing yesterday. The FA also revealed Newton will be target tested throughout the period of his suspension.

Newton did not travel with the club when they left for a tour of Sweden today."