Arsenal and Chelsea respond to doping claims by British doctor in Sunday Times investigation terming them 'baseless' and 'false'

Mark Bonar allegedly claimed he doped 150 sports stars

Dr Mark Bonar was recorded by undercover reporters claiming he had prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to sports stars including Premier League footballers

Top Premier League clubs have rubbished a doctor's apparent claims that he prescribed banned drugs for 150 sports stars - including some footballers.

Dr Mark Bonar, who works out of a private London clinic, was recorded by undercover reporters claiming he had prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to a number of top UK sports personalities.

His clients allegedly included unnamed Premier League footballers, British cyclists, a boxing champion and an England cricket star.

Dr Bonar is alleged to have been paid ­thousands of pounds for performance-enhancing drugs that included erythropoietin (EPO), steroids and human growth hormone.

The claims came to light as part of an investigation by The Sunday Times, but the newspaper added that it "has has no independent evidence Bonar treated the players."

In the secret recordings, Dr Bonar, 38, claimed he had treated "a few footballers" who play or have played for Chelsea, Leicester, Arsenal and Birmingham at an unspecified time.

But The Sunday Times were unable to verify this - and there is no evidence the clubs knew of Dr Bonar’s alleged relationship with the players or that they broke the rules.

A spokesman for Arsenal said: "Arsenal Football Club is extremely disappointed by the publication of these false claims which are without foundation.

"The Sunday Times knows that these allegations are baseless but has preferred to publish regardless.

"The club takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously and our players are well aware of what is expected.

"We strictly adhere to all guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency."

A spokesman for Chelsea said: "The claims The Sunday Times put to us are false and entirely without foundation.

"Chelsea Football Club has never used the services of Dr Bonar and has no knowledge or record of any of our players having been treated by him or using his services.

'We take the issue of performance enhancing drugs in sport extremely seriously and comply fully with all anti-doping rules and regulations.

 

"Chelsea FC players are regularly and rigorously tested by the relevant authorities."

Dr Bonar denies any wrongdoing and said he had not breached rules laid out by the General Medical Council (GMC).

Leicester City and Birmingham City have yet to officially respond to the Sunday Times front page story.

UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead said: "UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is deeply concerned and shocked by the allegations made in the Sunday Times.

 

"UKAD's sole mission is to protect clean athletes and clean sport. As an arm's length body to Government, our purpose and mandate is clear - to uncover and prosecute those who cheat, and contravene, the spirit of sport."

Culture, Media and Sport Secretary John Whittingdale called for an urgent investigation into the British anti-doping watchdog.

Mr Whittingdale said: "Sports fans are entitled to be sure that what they are watching is true and fair with all athletes competing on a level playing field.

"Once again, I am grateful to the excellent investigative journalism by The Sunday Times for bringing these apparent abuses to light.

"I have asked for there to be an urgent independent investigation into what action was taken when these allegations were first received and what more needs to be done to ensure that British sport remains clean.

"There is no room for complacency in the fight against doping and the Government is already looking at whether existing legislation in this area goes far enough.

"If it becomes clear that stronger criminal sanctions are needed then we will not hesitate to act."

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