FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are known to be bitter rivals, but a Blaugrana star has now come out in defence of Los Blancos captain Sergio Ramos over the recent doping allegations aimed at the centre-back.
Read: Real Officially Respond To Ramos' Failed Drug Test Accusations
On Friday evening, German publication Der Spiegel published an article based on information from Football Leaks suggesting that Ramos broke anti-doping protocol on two occasions.
The first incident is said to have occurred around the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League final, when traces of a forbidden substance were found in Ramos' blood sample, while the second claim alleged that the Spain defender broke anti-doping rules by showering before providing a blood sample after a LaLiga game in April 2018.
Ramos and Real Madrid have since vehemently dismissed the report, saying the incident around the UCL final was based on an administration error by one of the club's doctors, and the under-fire defender has now received Barcelona's Jordi Alba's support.
"There are few professionals like him. He lives for Madrid and for the national team," Alba told AS.
"I think he's right and what has been said is not true. It doesn't concern me, but I don't like talking nonsense."
Read: Ronaldo Breaks Juventus Record
Ramos released an official statement via Twitter, saying: "In relation to the information published about me across a number of different media outlets, I would like to clarify the following: I am vehemently opposed to doping. I have never participated, nor will I ever participate in, nor have I consented to, nor will I ever consent to, any form of doping."
He then went into detail, explaining both cases from his side – you can read his full statement below.
Do you think some footballers dope to enhance their performance? Have your say in the comments section below.
