Partick Thistle hit back over Jordan McMillan claims

Partick Thistle have hit back at former player Jordan McMillan after he claimed he was 'hung out to dry' by the Scottish Premiership club.

The former Rangers and Dunfermline defender was handed a two-year ban after failing a drugs test following his side's 1-0 defeat by Celtic in December last year.

McMillan, who had the suspension confirmed on Monday after failing in an appeal against the ruling, denies any wrongdoing, insisting the drugs detected were from a 'spiked drink'.

The 26-year-old had his contract terminated by the club but claimed that could have had an influence on the National Anti-Doping Panel prior to it ruling on his case.

He was quoted in the Scottish Sun saying: "They sacked me prematurely before I was going into my first hearing. It meant I was going into that hearing having been sacked by my employers.

I wouldn't say a thing against the gaffer Alan Archibald, but the club? They took the easy option, they hung me out to dry.

"What is the panel going to think after that? That I'm guilty. That was the backing that Thistle gave me

"Don't get me wrong, the gaffer Alan Archibald was good to me. I wouldn't say a thing against him, but the club? They took the easy option, they hung me out to dry."

But Thistle refuted the claims and a club spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed with Jordan's comments in relation to the way the club handled the situation around his failed drugs test.

"As a club we believe we responded in a fair and thoroughly professional manner to the situation and stand by the action taken at the time.

"It is particularly disappointing to read that Jordan believes he has been "hung out to dry" by the club especially given the fact that we did a great deal to protect both his reputation and career, including but not limited to...

"As per our duty of care as an employer, the club doctor immediately contacted Jordan to discuss any issues and offer any and all assistance required. The offer of help was not taken up by the player.

"Player confidentiality around this incident was maintained at all times. We were not able to discuss this matter until the decision was published by UKAD (UK Anti-Doping).

'Suspended'

"The club protected the player in the first instance by citing, at Jordan's request, personal circumstances as the reason for his omission from match day squads. It became obvious that there wouldn't be a prompt resolution to the matter and, given that club staff were being repeatedly questioned as to the reasons for Jordan's absence, we simply stated the player was suspended. We did not mention any failed drugs test or suspension from football. Jordan and his legal team were kept up to date of all club communications on the matter.

"Under a player's contract of employment with any SPFL club, failing a drug test is classed as gross misconduct and clubs have the option to instantly dismiss the player. The club refrained from this course of action in the first instance and suspended Jordan on full pay, which continued until his contract was terminated nine weeks later.

The club protected the player in the first instance by citing, at Jordan's request, personal circumstances as the reason for his omission from match day squads

"The club offered Jordan a new contract, contingent on a length of ban, which would mean UKAD had taken into account the mitigating circumstances and reduced the mandatory two year suspension. This revised contract included a wage being paid to Jordan during the time he was ineligible to play for the club. Jordan rejected this contract.

"Informed Jordan of UKAD's concerns over the non-specialised legal advice he was receiving, even though we were under no obligation to do so.

"We regretfully took the decision to terminate Jordan's contract on 27th February when it became apparent that any decision would be highly unlikely before the expiry of the player's contract in May 2015. We felt we could not justify keeping Jordan suspended on full pay for a total of more than five months, particularly when replacements had already been signed given Jordan's indefinite absence.

"Partick Thistle Football Club takes its duty of care as an employer seriously. In the event of any issues raised by any of our players or staff the club will do everything in its power to provide the help and assistance required, without judgement."