FORMER Partick Thistle defender Jordan McMillan has today been banned for two years for failing a drug test.

The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed that the former Rangers player has been suspended from all sport for two years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

In a statement, UKAD said: "McMillan, 26, tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, following an in-competition test by UKAD after a Scottish Premiership match between Celtic Football Club and Partick Thistle FC in 3 December 2014.

"McMillan, who is from Glasgow, was initially banned for two years by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) on 21 April 2015. Following an appeal by McMillan, the NADP re-convened in Glasgow on 21 July 2015, and upheld the original decision.

As a result McMillan is banned from all competitive sport from 18 December 2014 to 17 December 2016.

UKAD’s Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: "UKAD’s role is to protect the integrity and spirit of sport, and athletes, at all levels, need to understand the importance of Strict Liability – they are solely responsible for any banned substance that is found in their system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was an intention to cheat or not.

“The principle of Strict Liability can be challenging for athletes. They have to ensure that they understand the anti-doping rules and that their family, friends, coaches and athlete support personnel understand them too. They need to be aware of the risks their career faces if they test positive, and ensure they manage that risk at all times.”

McMillan claims his drink was spiked with cocaine.

A Partick Thistle spokesperson said: “We are obviously aware of the UKAD ruling which was made public this morning regarding our former player, Jordan McMillan. As a club we believe that we handled the situation in a fair and thoroughly professional manner and stand by the action taken at the time.”