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West Bromwich Albion suspend Roman Bednar pending drugs investigation

West Bromwich Albion have suspended Roman Bednar and launched an investigation after allegations that the Czech Republic striker had bought cocaine and cannabis from a drug dealer. Reports surfaced yesterday including pictures claiming to show Bednar purchasing drugs from a car parked outside his house only hours after Albion beat Wigan Athletic in their Premier League fixture nine days ago.

Albion immediately announced they would be starting an inquiry and revealed before yesterday's defeat by Liverpool that Bednar, who is the club's second-highest scorer this season with six goals, would be suspended. The 26-year-old, who has not started for Albion in the league since the end of December but has featured regularly as a substitute, is reported to have claimed he was buying the drugs for a friend when he was confronted with the allegations before later saying: "I'm fucked".

Bednar yesterday said: "I am sorry and deeply regretful for the stories that have emerged in the press today and the embarrassment and negative publicity it has brought to the directors, players and staff of West Bromwich Albion and all the supporters. My biggest disappointment today is of the team's relegation to the Championship and sincerely I hope to have the opportunity to help the club regain promotion next season."

Tony Mowbray, the Albion manager, held a meeting with his players yesterday morning to discuss the incident but insisted it had not affected his pre-match plans. "I don't think it disrupted the preparations," he said.

"I did have a word with the players this morning when they came in because it was obviously the main talking point but it's not for talking about today. The club have taken action until they can get to the bottom of it. Roman will be suspended until the club can find out all the details and I think that's all we should say at the moment."

Pushed on the matter further, Mowbray added: "We are all hopefully sensible human beings. I don't know what a drug is. I am sure there will be more opportunities to discuss it in the future. Today should be about the team that gave such a great account of themselves and the supporters that covered themselves in glory and showed how passionate they are about their football team and hopefully we can reward them next season."

The reports alleged that Bednar, who completed a £2.3m move from Hearts last summer after a successful loan spell at Albion, handed over £420 for cocaine and cannabis after the 3-1 win over Wigan.

Premier League players have regular random drugs tests and Bednar is reported to have claimed he has undergone three in the past year and insisted he is "clean". If, however, the allegations are proved, he faces a lengthy ban and could have his contract terminated. He has two years left on a three-year deal.