Government orders probe into Premier League doping claims

The British government has ordered a probe into Premier League doping claims whilst the clubs have come out to deny the allegations.

Each of Leicester, Chelsea, and Arsenal have issued statements over the 'false' story that named them in the scandal. The Sunday Times ran a report alleging that a London-based doctor prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to Premier League footballers - as well as British Tour de France cyclists, a British boxing champion and tennis players - including EPO, human growth hormone and steroids. The doctor has since refuted the reports. https://twitter.com/ZenGrifter/status/716684042150756352 However, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary John Whittingdale has ordered an urgent investigation into the matter.

"Sports fans are entitled to be sure that what they are watching is true and fair with all athletes competing on a level playing field," he said. "I have asked for there to be an urgent independent investigation into what action was taken when these allegations were first received and what more needs to be done to ensure that British sport remains clean. "If it becomes clear that stronger criminal sanctions are needed, then we will not hesitate to act."

Whilst the clubs have moved to distance themselves from the allegations, the claims have dampened the run-in of what has been one of the most entertaining Premier League seasons in a long time.