The Reds really could have used the presence of star centre-back Mamadou Sakho in their 2-2 draw against Newcastle United last week. Unfortunately, Liverpool were without the French defender’s services due to a club ban for allegedly failing a drug test.
While the investigation from UEFA into his use of unregulated fat-burning pills is ongoing, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher wasted no time laying into the Reds star for letting everyone down.
‘It’s a nightmare for the player,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.
‘I think he’s let himself and the club down badly, because he’s become a really important player.
‘There’s serious questions to be asked of him.
‘For a professional footballer, as in any sport, it’s not acceptable’.
Carragher also pointed out his disappointment in the level of positive drug tests that have been found in football.
‘But there seems to be a lot more of that [drug violations] goes on in other sports, not something you’d expect from football’.
Sakho has started 21 Premier League games this season and had a crucial goal in Liverpool’s stunning comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League earlier this month. He had performed arguably his best performance of the season during the Reds’ 4-0 win over Everton and scored his second goal in three matches in the process.
The French defender was not officially suspended by the club, but it could be a while before he returns to the good graces of the Reds coaching staff.
Follow Jonathan Machlin on Twitter @jtmlovessports
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