Manchester United to appeal Phil Jones' ban for swearing at doping official
The defender will miss Tuesday's Super Cup meeting against Real Madrid in Skopje
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have informed Uefa that they intend to lodge an appeal against Phil Jones' two-match European ban for swearing at a doping official.
Jones was fined €5,000 (£4,497) and suspended from Tuesday's Super Cup meeting with Real Madrid and United's first Champions League group game by the governing body on Monday.
The 25-year-old was judged to have used 'abusive language' towards a Uefa doping official after being asked to take a test following United's 2-0 Europa League final triumph over Ajax in Stockholm.
United had until Thursday evening to initiate the appeal process and must now submit their written reasons until a Monday deadline. If the appeal fails, Jones could serve an extended ban.
Daley Blind, another United player asked to take a test, was also fined €5,000. It is understood that Blind was reluctant to be tested as requested because he wanted to celebrate the victory with his team-mates.
Jose Mourinho indicated that United would lodge an appeal against Jones' ban and called the suspension 'unfair' while speaking after his side's 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Sampdoria in Dublin.
“It's not a normal match, it's a final, it's a cup, it's a medal, it's the celebration, it's everything,” Mourinho said, suggesting that Uefa should take the context of the match into consideration.
United's victory, which secured a berth in the Champions League group stages for Mourinho's side, came just three days after the attack at Manchester Arena which killed 23 people, including bomber Salman Abedi.
Jones' obligation to participate in the doping control procedure is believed to have prevented him from appearing in a dressing room photograph paying tribute to the victims of the attack.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments