Papu Gomez has always been a man on the road. The Argentine’s career has taken him to several countries, including Spain and Ukraine, but the former Sevilla man has spent most of his career in Italy. The 35-year-old first turned out for Catania before becoming a household name in a seven-year spell at Atalanta.
Gomez later turned out for Sevilla for two seasons before returning to Italy to play in Serie A for Monza. However, his return has hit a major snag as the player has been slammed with a two-year ban due to doping crimes for some drugs he took when he was at Sevilla.
Papu Gomez releases statement after 2-year ban
Football authorities have been taking doping in the sport very seriously and do not hesitate to hand big punishments to players when found guilty. Papu Gomez is the latest footballer to be handed a long suspension after the Argentine was found guilty of doping for some drug he took last October when he was still a Sevilla player.
After learning of his two-year ban, the World Cup winner quickly released a statement. “I confirm that I received word from the Spanish anti-doping commission that my license is suspended for a period of two years,” Gomez said.
“I always not just rigorously respected all the rules, but also stood up as a strong defender of clean sport and sporting behaviour, condemning categorically any forms of doping.
“I never, nor do I intend to, rely on a banned practice. The presumed violation originates from the presence of Terbutaline in my system, which I accidentally ingested with a spoonful of cough syrup for my son to alleviate his cough. It is important to specify that Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes, and in no way does it improve performance in football.”
“Without getting into the situation, I have asked my lawyers to look into the suggestion that the disciplinary case was not treated according to the norms. I finally wish to thank all those who showed me affection and support during these difficult moments of my professional life,” Gomez concluded his statement.
Another player in the Italian league, Paul Pogba is also facing a similar situation and has already seen his salary slashed by almost 99% following his indefinite suspension from football for doping crimes.
Fans react to Papu Gomez’s remarks
Fans have mocked Papu Gomez for including attempting to hide behind his son, as revealed in his statement. The teammate of Lionel Messi on international level was charged for having Terbutaline in his system while playing for Sevilla in October.
“How do you accidentally ingest a medicine meant for your son?”, a fan rhetorically asked.
Some fans also claimed that Papu Gomez deserved the two-year ban after a dangerous challenge on Fede Valverde last season when Real Madrid hosted Sevilla at home.
Sevilla, who welcomed Sergio Ramos on a short-term contract in the last transfer window after the Real Madrid captain had the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi again, are yet to comment on the situation.
Will Papu Gomez see his ban overturned?
