Stanislaus sacked by Leyton Orient
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.Roger Stanislaus was yesterday sacked by Third Division Leyton Orient just five days after being banned from football for 12 months by the Football Association for taking a performance-enhancing drug.
Stanislaus, a 27-year-old defender, was caught out after a routine drugs test following a match against Barnet in November. He now faces a huge battle to relaunch his career after the unanimous decision to sack him by the Orient board.
Barry Hearn, the Orient chairman, said he felt that the one-year ban was a lenient one and that the board had no alternative to dismissal in order to preserve the good name of Orient and of football in general.
Hearn, reading from a prepared statement from the Orient board after a meeting at the ground yesterday morning, said: "At a meeting earlier today the board of Leyton Orient voted unanimously to terminate Roger Stanislaus's contract with immediate effect.
"In considering all the factors we felt the good name of Leyton Orient as the Littlewoods Community Club of the Year and the very high percentage of young supporters we attract were two of the overriding reasons.
"In addition the fact that Roger's version of events that led to him testing positive for cocaine was heavily contradicted by expert medical testimony, has, in our opinion, left the club with no possible alternative.''
Lucas Radebe and Phil Masinga, the Leeds United players, were yesterday carpeted by their manager Howard Wilkinson for their late return to Elland Road from African Nations' Cup duty.
Wilkinson was angry that the pair, who helped South Africa win the competition, reported 24 hours later than scheduled. "I have spoken to both players but what was said is a private matter," Wilkinson said.
Leeds were due to have visited Bolton in the fourth round of the FA Cup last night, but the match has been postponed because of snow.
Howard King, the former Premiership referee, yesterday insisted he would not be attending a Football Association of Wales hearing on 14 February to answer disciplinary charges.
The FAW charged King, who is based in Merthyr Tydfil, with bringing the game into disrepute after Sunday newspaper confessions that he was supplied with vice girls before he took charge of cup-ties in Europe.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments