Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has been banned for nine months after failing a drugs test, reports The Sun. The punishment was confirmed after his case was heard by the Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal.

Mutu, who was sacked by the Blues in 2003 after he tested positive for cocaine, will be on the sidelines until October 29 as he has already spent two months out.

He was suspended in January after two positive tests for the slimming agent sibutramine.

Mutu said: "This is a harsh punishment. It seems too much.

"I expected less because, yes, the mistake was made, it's right to pay, but not so much.

"I would like to add that I am sorry for having left Fiorentina without my services for the next few months, both for the club and for the fans."

Despite the ban, Fiorentina have pledged to stick by their disgraced Romanian. A spokesman said: "Fiorentina reiterates its support for the players.

"The club also notes that the outcome underlines the validity of the defence presented as it has allowed Mutu to avoid a two-year ban."