Bangor striker Ben Arthurs completes three-month ban after March positive cocaine test

Ben Arthurs has completed a three-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine following Bangor's Irish Premiership match against Glentoran on 10 March, a statement from UK Anti-Doping [UKAD] on Thursday said; Arthurs admitted to "ingesting cocaine for recreational purposes within a social setting".

Under UKAD rules, athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions "if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance"; an independent expert concluded the use "most likely" took place before the day of the game, which Glentoran won 4-0. Doping control was introduced in the Irish Premiership and Women's Premiership in 2024 in a move joint-funded by the Irish Football Association [IFA] and Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL].

Arthurs was suspended by Bangor in April and, at the time, the Seasiders said they were "unable to provide further details" while an investigation took place. He had been issued with a provisional suspension on 7 April and that period has now been served.

The 28-year-old has spent the past eight seasons with Bangor and will enter his ninth season at the club, where he is the second top goalscorer in their history. Having already returned to pre-season training, he is available for selection.

BBC NI approached the IFA and NIFL for comment regarding the case.

He is eligible to face Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park when Lee Feeney's side begin their 2026-27 Irish Premiership campaign on 15 August.