This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez was left out of the Community Shield match due to concerns over doping, but the Algerian Football Association has dismissed the issue as a non-event.
The association stated that it was not their responsibility, as Mahrez had taken the medication after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency, certain sinus and eye treatments are prohibited from use.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola explained that the doctors did not have the exact medication Mahrez took, which made it a risk for doping control.
Guardiola expressed hope that Mahrez would be back in the squad for the next game against West Ham and that everything would return to normal.
On August 4, 2019, Manchester City played Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
Earlier, Liverpool vs Man City ended in a 5-4 shoot-out win for Manchester City after both teams settled for a 1-1 draw during regulation time.
Georginio Wijnaldum missed his spot-kick as Gabriel Jesus scored the deciding penalty to win it for Manchester City.
