Atalanta star 'suspended' after failing drugs test ahead of Newcastle United trip

Atalanta defender Jose Luis Palomino has been handed a precautionary suspension after failing a pre-season drugs test.
Dominic Scurr
By Dominic Scurr
Published 28th Jul 2022, 12:31 BST
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The Serie A side are due to face Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly at St James’s Park this Friday (7:45pm kick-off).

But Palomino is unlikely to make the trip as Atalanta have confirmed that the Italian National Anti-Doping Court have suspended the player after he allegedly tested positive for the banned substance ‘Clostebol Metabolita’, according to a statement from the Italian club.

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Atalanta's Argentine defender Jose Luis Palomino celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group F football match between BSC Young Boys and Atalanta BC at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern on November 23, 2021. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)Atalanta's Argentine defender Jose Luis Palomino celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group F football match between BSC Young Boys and Atalanta BC at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern on November 23, 2021. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
Atalanta's Argentine defender Jose Luis Palomino celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group F football match between BSC Young Boys and Atalanta BC at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern on November 23, 2021. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
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Clostebol is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid and is a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The 32-year-old Argentinian has played over 150 times in Serie A for Atalanta but is now facing a playing ban up to four years if found guilty of intentionally consuming the substance.

Further investigations will now take place and if it is confirmed that Palomino ingested Colstebol, he will face a trial later this year to determine the length of his ban.

Related topics:St James's Park