The AFL anti-doping tribunal has found the 34 current and former Essendon players of using a banned supplement during the 2012 season, reports say.
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According to the Herald Sun, tribunal chairman David Jones informed players of the verdict on Tuesday afternoon.
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) had alleged Bombers players were administered with thymosin beta-4 as part of a supplements program during the 2012 season.
The ruling means the 18 players currently at Essendon are free to play in this weekend’s opening round of the AFL season.
Below is the full statement released by the tribunal:
Statement in full from AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal Chairman David Jones: pic.twitter.com/gktjEXQtPc
— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) March 31, 2015
The decision also means former Bombers Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries, now at Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri have been cleared of doping and will also line up for their respective sides.
ASADA and WADA now have 21 days to appeal the decision.
ASADA says it will hold a media conference on Wednesday.
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