Jose Baxter: Sheffield United player given suspended drugs ban

Jose Baxter has made 57 appearances for Sheffield United, scoring 16 goals

Sheffield United midfielder Jose Baxter has been given a five-month ban for a failed drugs test - but will be able to play at the start of the season.

Baxter was suspended by the club in May after he failed an out-of-competition test, but denied any wrongdoing.

The 23-year-old was found guilty at a Football Association personal hearing.

However the remaining three months of the ban have been suspended for two years so he is available for the Blades' first league game on 8 August.

BBC Radio Sheffield reports that at the hearing last week, Baxter denied any intentional wrongdoing, adding the traces of ecstasy found in his system were as a result of his drink being spiked.