Bosnich handed ban

At a disciplinary hearing, the Australian international was found guilty of the two charges brought against him, firstly of improper conduct and, secondly, for testing positive for a banned substance.

The 31-year-old's nine-month ban will run from December 23rd 2002 when an interim suspension order was placed upon him.

The FA chose not to impose a financial penalty on the former Aston Villa and Manchester United custodian, but ordered the player to cover the costs of the disciplinary commission which were around £10,000.

The player's advisers immediately reacted by insisting they will appeal against the penalty.

"Mark claims his drink was spiked but, whilst duty bound to give it consideration, it was a guilty verdict with a scale of penalties weighted down," PFA chairman Gordon Taylor stated.

"It may have been worse. It's damaging to his career but it doesn't mean it's over, if he is dedicated enough to get back on track, as I believe he is.

"We offer support, we have a drug education programme, and Mark went into rehabilitation because he was suffering from depression.

"He has had a bad time with Chelsea, full stop. He was on a big contract but wasn't being played in the first team and second team, and that was a real blow for a player of his calibre.

"Mark has strongly denied it so it was a delicate situation," Taylor told Sky Sports News. "We had to be an observer and make sure justice was done.

"It's a lot easier if the player admits he has a problem."