John McGinn’s Scotland ordeal revealed after World Cup qualification: ‘It may seem unfair, but…’
Aston Villa captain John McGinn was forced to do a drug test after Scotland secured World Cup qualification on Tuesday.
McGinn played a key role for Scotland against Denmark as Steve Clarke’s side secured a place at the summer tournament with a 4-2 win.
The midfielder shone at Hampden Park once again as McGinn continues to revel after penning a new Villa deal in recent weeks.
McGinn has had many standout days in a Villa shirt, but it may prove difficult to top this latest achievement on the international stage.
Celebrations were dampened for McGinn after the full-time whistle after being pulled for a drug test, but any potential complaints have now been curtailed.
Keith Hackett clarifies John McGinn drug test reasoning after Scotland vs Denmark
Jeff Stelling wanted to see McGinn at a World Cup and looks set to get his wish after the Tartan Army qualified for the first time since 1998.
The Villa skipper certainly deserved everything he got against the Danes after a typically stunning, industrious performance.
The post-match activities may have gone against what McGinn hoped for after he revealed a drug test was keeping him out of the Scotland dressing room.
Frustration has been levelled by supporters over this situation, but former FIFA official Keith Hackett has provided insight into the protocol of these regular tests.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: “This process has been in operation even in my days of being a FIFA Referee (1981-1991).
“Before every UEFA game, a room is designated for the Drug Tests. It has a fridge with bottles of water. The room is locked after the inspection by the UEFA Match Delegate.
“The WADA representative, who will carry out the test, arrives when the game is underway. At Halftime, a draw takes place, and the players selected for the test at random are designated. Immediately at the final whistle, they have to go to the Drug Test Room and provide a urine sample.
“This is not easy and may take several hours. The player delivering the sample can then leave the room. I recall one game where the away team player took hours to produce a sample, and his team stuck to their plans of leaving the stadium and taking their flight back home.
“So, whilst it may seem unfair to John McGinn to curtail his celebrations, the importance of keeping sport drug-free is so important. Remember that WADA can turn up at any Football Club and carry out drug testing.
“This is why clubs have to daily advise WADA where their team are training. Athletes in other sports also have to ensure that they notify WADA of their schedules and location. This is a window in the life of a professional sports person that is often unknown.“
Aston Villa star McGinn took to Instagram amid drug test frustration
There may have been annoyance away from Hampden as the midfielder was halted from taking part in generational celebrations.
The Scots haven’t had a World Cup to cheer about for over 27 years, and McGinn played a key part in ending that dry run.
It is fair to say that the Villa man saw the funny side of the situation as he took to his Instagram story to share a picture seemingly from inside the drug test room.
He said: “Drug test, not allowed in the changing room, can’t write it.”
The message was accompanied by two laughing emojis, summing up the McGinn that Villa and Scotland fans have come to love over the last six-plus years.
It wasn’t an ideal scenario for the 31-year-old, but it is positive to see that he can take it in his stride in the most frustrating of situations.
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