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Newcastle duo deny snorting cocaine


Newcastle United's Andrew Carroll, right, celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Kevin Nolan.
Newcastle duo Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll have denied any knowledge of drugs being brought into the house they have been sharing following tabloid allegations on Sunday. The News of the World claimed that cocaine was found on a table in Nolan's house after a night out, though the newspaper stressed there was no evidence either player had taken the drug.

A court ordered Carroll to stay at Nolan's family home until January after being charged with assaulting a former girlfriend. Carroll's lawyer has said the player will deny the offence and claim self-defence. The Magpies striker later made headlines for the right reasons when he gave Newcastle a shock 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

A statement released on Newcastle's official website stated: "Both Nolan and Carroll categorically deny having any knowledge that drugs had been brought onto the premises and are pleased that the paper does not even allege that they were aware of the presence of drugs.

"Neither player would ever contemplate taking drugs or condone the use of such substances. "The club and the players named are sure that if the editor felt his story had any truth he would already have reported this to the police."
- AP