Bednar returms after ban expiry

Championship side West Brom Albion’s Czech striker Roman Bednar is available for first-team action after completing a back-dated three-month ban in relation to allegations that he bought recreational drugs.

The 26-year-old forward was suspended by the club on May 17 after stories appeared in a national newspaper suggesting that he had bought cannabis and cocaine.

He attended an FA disciplinary hearing in Derby last week and was handed a three-month suspension after admitting charges of “possession and use of a prohibited substance”, a breach of FA Rule E25.

“Albion would like to make it absolutely clear that they have treated this incident as a most serious matter,” a club statement read.

“After a full and fair hearing by the FA, the club feel the three-month suspension imposed on Roman, coupled with the maximum fine available to the club, was the appropriate punishment.

“Since the first day of his suspension, Roman has shown complete remorse for his actions.

“He co-operated fully with the police, FA and club during their respective enquiries and expressed a strong desire to be given a second chance to make up for the embarrassment he has caused to Albion and their supporters.

“Roman will receive every support from the club and it is now entirely down to the head coach, Roberto Di Matteo, to decide when to recall Roman for first-team duty.”