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An Irish League player has completed a three-month ban after failing an anti-doping test in March.

Bangor striker Ben Arthurs was tested after the Seasiders faced Glentoran on March 10 in the Irish Premiership. Arthurs was then suspended by the club, but they didn't provide any information, calling it an internal disciplinary matter.

However, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) have now released a statement to say: "Analysis of Mr Arthurs' sample returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF), for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine."

The 28-year-old admitted to "ingesting cocaine for recreational purposes within a social setting" in the days before the game.

UKAD sought the advice of an independent medical expert who ruled that it was "more likely than not" that the use of cocaine took place 'Out-of-Competition'.

Athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions under anti-doping rules, "if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance".

For standard doping violations, UKAD bans are typically four years regardless of test timing, but for out-of-competition use of recreational drugs unrelated to sport performance, sanctions are significantly reduced.

The UKAD statement explains that Mr Arthurs' "period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 7 April 2026, and expired at 11:59pm on 6 July 2026".

UKAD added: "Mr Arthurs, the IFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (‘FIFA’), and WADA have a right to appeal against this Decision or any part of it in accordance with ADR Article 13.4."

The decision means he is eligible to return for the opening day of the Irish League season on August 15, when Bangor host Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park.

Arthurs has been with the club since their days in the Ballymena and Provincial League, all the way to the Premiership.

He sits second on their all-time scoring chart, behind legendary forward Billy Bradford.

After signing a three-year contract extension at the start of last season, Arthurs said: "I've been here so long it really does mean something to me. Half my family is from Bangor, so there is a family feel to it.

"I signed a three-year deal and that will take me to 10 years of service. I don't plan on going anywhere, so I'm happy at Bangor."

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