Ben Arthurs Completes Anti-Doping Ban, Set to Play in Season Opener

Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is set to return to play in his club's opening match of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season after completing a three-month anti-doping ban. The ban followed an incident in March where a test revealed a banned substance after a game against Glentoran.

The 28-year-old was suspended in April while an investigation was conducted. The UK Anti-Doping agency confirmed that Arthurs' sample tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite. He acknowledged using the substance recreationally in a social context, and an expert determined that the drug use likely occurred before the match.

Having received a provisional suspension on April 7, Arthurs has now served his ban and has returned to pre-season training. He is eligible to play against Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park on August 15, marking his ninth season with Bangor, where he ranks as the second top goalscorer in the club's history.