Newcastle striker target banned for two years for attempted anti-doping fraud

Newcastle United target Gabriel Barbosa has received a two-year ban for attempted anti-doping fraud.

'Gabigol' was a target for the Magpies while they were on a hunt for a new striker, after impressing for Brazilian club Flamengo.

According to The Chronicle; there were brief discussions for Barbosa in January 2022, the idea was to bring him in on a six-month loan before a £17million permanent deal was made.

But now any chance of bringing the Brazilian international in have faded with the ban. Brazilian media reported that Barbosa made it difficult to carry out an anti-doping test before a game.

Credit: Sky Sports

Barbosa vehemently denies the allegations

The 27-year-old, who has represented his country on 18 occasions told shared a post on X after the ban was announced.

"I have never attempted to obstruct or defraud any test and I trust that I will be cleared by the higher court. he said.

"Since the beginning of my career as a footballer, I have always followed the rules of the game and never used banned substances.

"I have been subjected to dozens of tests, all of which have always been negative."

Barbosa intends to appeal the charge to try and return to football earlier than expected.

Barbosa will be out until 2025.

Newcastle have dodged a bullet by not signing him, the two-year ban means Barbosa is to miss the full Brazilian Serie A season which starts in April and runs until December.

The ban starts from the date of violation, which was in April 2023.

The Magpies already have a player suspended in Sandro Tonali, who has missed the majority of the 2023/24 season for betting violations.

Flamengo said they were surprised by the decision to ban Barbosa and would help the player with his appeal.