Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa faces a two-year suspension following a doping fraud investigation on Monday.
The country’s Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice voted 5-4 to punish Barbosa until April 2025.
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Barbosa suspended for doping issue
Local media reported that Barbosa, 27, behaved erratically during the surprise anti-doping test the day before the game.
However, Barbosa’s lawyers claimed the blood test came out clean, and his misbehavior did not mean he tricked the test.
Flamengo said in a statement: “There was no fraud, not even an attempted fraud.”
“The club received the decision with surprise and will help the athlete in his representation at the Court for Arbitration of Sport.”
Barbosa denies allegations
Barbosa denied all the allegations, as he announced that he will appeal the decision.
“Since the beginning of my career as a football player, I have always followed the rules of the game and never used prohibited substances,” Barbosa wrote on Instagram.
“I have already been subjected to dozens of tests. All of which were always negative, which reinforces my commitment to my club and to the Brazilian fans.”
“I am disappointed with the outcome of the trial. But I will continue to cooperate with the sports authorities and am confident that my innocence will be proven and reestablished by the higher court.”
Brazil’s prolific scorer
Nicknamed “Gabigol,” Barbosa is in the final year of his contract with Flamengo.
The striker had short stints with Inter Milan and Benfica before he returned to Santos in 2018.
Barbosa signed for Flamengo on a permanent deal in 2020 after joining the Brazilian club on a loan spell in 2019.
He helped them win a Copa Libertadores and two Brazilian league titles.
However, the Brazilian has been benched after former Brazil coach Tite took over at Flamengo last October.
