West Ham United midfielder Robert Snodgrass has been handed a £30,000 fine and a one game ban after a misconduct charge was proven by the FA.
The governing body confirmed the news on their website on Tuesday, after the Scotsman was allegedly abusive to anti-doping officials in February.
The 31-year-old has been a regular under manager Manuel Pellegrini this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, but he could now face one game on the sidelines.
The ban won’t yet come into effect while the player considers whether to appeal the decision or not.
OPINION
This is a shame, both in what it tells us about the player and for West Ham as a team. The independent regulatory commission proved that the claims against Snodgrass were correct, which suggests a serious lack of judgement from the Hammers midfielder. For him to abuse drug officials, to interfere with them in any way, is unacceptable. He should have just left them alone, there was really no need for him to interact with them at all. They weren’t even testing him. However, he did what he did and so now he faces the consequences. His absence for one game, if his appeal does not succeed, would be a blow to Pellegrini’s side. He’s not the most spectacular player, but Snodgrass has been a consistent performer and an excellent set piece taker this season. To lose that, even for one game, is obviously not ideal. However, perhaps his potential absence would open the door for youngsters like Conor Coventry and Nathan Holland to feature. So there could be a silver lining to all this in the end.
