Dinamo Zagreb's Arijan Ademi banned for four years

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Arijan Ademi has been handed a four-year ban from football after failing a drugs test during this season's Champions League.

The Macedonia international, who has denied any wrongdoing, failed a drugs test following the Croatian side's 2-1 win over Arsenal in September.

The 24-year-old told the club's website: "I find it hard to even describe in words how I feel right now. I'm not guilty, I know I did not do any wrong, and I got such a drastic punishment. I feel terrible.

"I would like to thank everyone who has called me in recent days and sent messages, but it's really hard for me to talk about it, and I pray for understanding."

The club added: "As a club, we are shocked and extremely unpleasantly surprised by such a turn of events, and we will do everything we can in these difficult times with Arijan."

Arsenal will face Dinamo again on Tuesday.