Mac insists there is “no room for drugs in sport”

At Xavier’s personal hearing yesterday, following his positive drug test over a month ago Fifa handed the defender an 18-month ban.

Although Boro boss, Steve Mcclaren, stated that no decision will be made on Xavier’s future at the club for a couple of days he insisted that he was very disappointed that Middlesbrough’s name had been dragged into the incident.

"We are going to take a couple of days to digest everything before we put out a full statement and decide what to do.

"There isn't, for whatever reason (any place in sport for drugs).

"We will always condemn that. In this situation, it's just unfortunate that our club, Middlesbrough, is involved."

John Bramall, PFA Assistant Chief Executive, confirmed that the Portuguese defender will fight to clear his name.

''Abel is clearly very disappointed at that decision and will take every opportunity to clear his name.''

Boro must shake-off the news of Xavier’s ban tonight as they face AZ Alkmaar in Holland (K.O. 5.30pm ITV 4). Just one point will put them through to the next round, COME ON BORO!!!