Ex-Ireland keeper Kenny defiant after failed dope appeal

Former Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Paddy Kenny promised to “bounce back” after his appeal against a nine-month drugs ban was dismissed by the Football Association here on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Sheffield United shot-stopper – who has made nearly 300 appearances for the Blades since joining in 2002 – was handed the suspension last month after testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.

Kenny, who won the last of his seven caps for the Republic in 2006, challenged the length of the ban but failed to have it reduced, even though officials accepted he wasn’t trying to deliberately enhance his performance by taking an ‘over the counter’ medicine for a chest complaint.

In a statement issued to Sky Sports, Kenny said: “I am devastated that an honest mistake on my part could cost me my career.

“I would like to thank Sheffield United – plus all my current and former team-mates, as well as my agent – for their support throughout.

“I am positive I will bounce back, and I really hope that this experience will stop others from making the same mistake.”

Earlier, an FA statement said: “The Appeal Board dismissed the appeal by Mr Paddy Kenny against his nine-month suspension for a breach of the FA doping regulations.

“The Regulatory Commission’s decision to impose a nine-month suspension was an appropriate measure of the seriousness of the offence.”

Kenny tested positive following the second-tier Championship play-off semi-final against Preston in May, which saw United progress to the final where they lost to Burnley for the right to play in this season’s Premier League.

Officials emphasised the importance of the ‘strict liability rule’ which says sportsmen must take ultimate responsibility for ensuring they do not ingest banned substances.

Kenny was stunned by the length of the ban but the Commission said he’d displayed a serious disregard for doping rules by failing to consult United’s medical staff.