Manchester United pair punished by Uefa for breach of doping rules

Phil Jones suspended for two games for verbal abuse and Daley Blind fined for refusing a test after the Europa League final.

Manchester United defender Daley Blind scores a goal during the penalty kick shootout against Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup match on July 23, 2017 in Santa Clara, California.   / AFP PHOTO / Beck Diefenbach
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Phil Jones has been banned for two matches and Daley Blind fined by Uefa after the Manchester United pair were found guilty of breaching the governing body's doping regulations after the Europa League final in May.

Jones was understood to have been verbally abusive towards a doping control officer after he was requested to attend drug-testing after the final in Stockholm on May 24, and will now miss the Uefa Super Cup match against Real Madrid next week and United's first Champions League group stage match in September. He has also been fined €5,000 (Dh21,560).

It is understood Blind was reluctant to take a test as requested because he wanted to celebrate with his teammates, whose 2-0 victory over Ajax ensured their qualification for this season's Champions League. He was fined €5,000. There is no suggestion that either player was guilty of doping.

United have been fined €10,000 over the rule breaches. The club are understood to be aware of Uefa's decisions, and have three days to appeal against them. However, they have not yet indicated to Uefa whether they will or not.

* Press Association