Kingsley Coman on Paul Pogba’s anti-doping offence: “We all support Paul.”

In the wake of France’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Germany, Kingsley Coman (27) voiced support for international teammate Paul Pogba (30) who has been provisionally suspended for an anti-doping offence. 

It was first revealed by Italian media on Monday that Pogba had tested positive for testosterone following Juventus’ match against Udinese on 20th August, a match in which the French midfielder didn’t feature. It was later confirmed by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal that Pogba would be provisionally suspended. The former Manchester United midfielder, who was working his way back to fitness following a long-term injury, will now be ineligible for upcoming matches. Italian anti-doping rules stipulate that Pogba could face anything up to a four-year ban if found guilty of intentional doping. 

Speaking to RMC Sport, the player’s agent said, “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never meant to break a rule.” In the wake of France’s defeat, from which Pogba was of course absent, Bayern Munich winger Coman expressed support for his international teammate. 

“We all support Paul. He is a very close friend. He is part of the family. We know Paul, if something has happened, we can’t believe for one minute that it was intentional,” said Coman in an interview transcribed by L’Équipe.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle