Liverpool's Kolo Toure gives support to Mamadou Sakho amid fears of drug ban

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has given his support to teammate Mamadou Sakho, who is facing a lengthy ban after failing a drugs test.

It has been reported that UEFA could impose a ban as long as 12 months on Sakho after the defender tested positive for a banned substance following his side's 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League on March 17.

Five years ago, Toure, who was playing for Manchester City at the time, was banned for six months for a similar violation.

The Ivorian has admitted that he has not yet spoken to Sakho, but can empathise with the defender.

"I don't want to remember that because it has been tough for me," Goal.com quotes Toure as saying. "I don't even want to talk about that because it is very hard.

"Right now I haven't spoken with Mama, to be honest. I've been in there and it has been really difficult, definitely. This is private but he knows what I think about him."

UEFA has not yet suspended Sakho, but Liverpool have opted against selecting the centre-back for upcoming games while the matter is ongoing.