Ban for Anderson after cocaine test

The Swansea City defender Ijah Anderson has tested positive for cocaine. The 29-year-old has been suspended by the League One leaders pending a hearing at the Football Association of Wales.

Huw Jenkins, the Swansea chairman, has confirmed that Anderson would be sacked if the player was found guilty. "As with most clubs there's no tolerance of that sort of thing at Swansea football club," Jenkins said.

The sample in question was taken on 1 November following a training session, and the test was confirmed positive three weeks later.

Anderson, whose previous clubs include Tottenham, Southend, Brentford and Bristol Rovers, has not started a game for Kenny Jackett's side this season and his last appearance as a substitute came at Yeovil on 8 October. He joined Swansea a year ago following an initial loan from Rovers, and he signed a deal in January tying him to the club until June.

Jenkins insisted the player was innocent until proven guilty and denies that the failed test tarnishes the club's otherwise outstanding season. He added: "We can't control an individual's behaviour outside the range of the football set-up. We've got no control of what goes on outside."

Jenkins said that Jackett, the manager, and the player - who is expected to fight the charge - have been in contact since the failed test. "Kenny has obviously spoken to him and is being kept updated," he said.