JONES: BAN TWO ‘HARSH’

PHIL JONES has hit back angrily at his two-match Euro ban for swearing at an anti-doping official.

Jones was suspended after losing his temper following Manchester United’s Europa League final win over Ajax in Stockholm in May.

England defender Jones was found guilty of “directing insulting and abusive language” and showing “a lack of cooperation and respect” towards the official.

It came after the 25-year-old tried to celebrate with his teammates, only to be hauled off for a drugs test.

It means he will miss United’s opening Champions League group game, having sat out last month’s Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid.

Jones admits he swore but insists it was because he was upset at not being able to join his United pals in holding up a banner in tribute to the 22 victims of the Manchester bomb attack that had taken place just 48 hours earlier.

Jones said: “I knew on about 75 minutes that me and Daley Blind were up for doping – the doctor told us – which was not a problem. It was fine by me, I’ve done it many times before.

“But it’s not as if we had just won the Mickey Mouse league. We had won the Europa League.

“I’m sure anyone can understand you work so hard all year round to win a prestige competition like that – then someone says you can’t celebrate with your team.

“We had planned to do the banner for the Manchester attacks.

“It is quite close considering we are a Manchester team based in Manchester... but it wasn’t to be.

“I fully complied with rules and did my urine sample, did my blood sample and ended up with a two-game ban.

“I couldn’t believe it. It’s harsh. You see players go in for leg-breaking challenges and they get a one-game ban or two games.

“I could understand it if I didn’t comply. Maybe there was language that was inappropriate, but it definitely wasn’t directed at the official himself.

“I definitely didn’t look him in the eye and say that he was this and that.

“Looking back on it now, did I deserve a fine? Possibly, but a two-game ban is a bit out of the ordinary.”

TOUGH Jones was suspended following the clash with Ajax