by Lee Hurley

Andre Santos has been banned for 30 days after the former Arsenal defender failed a drugs test.

Santos was found to have Hydrochlorothiazide in his system, a drug designed to help flush the body of water more quickly. While not a performance-enhancing drug in itself, it can be used to mask the use of them and is a ‘specified substance’ according to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MAY 29: Andre Santos of Flamengo reacts during a match between Flamengo and Figueirense of Brasileirao Series A 2014 at Morumbi Stadium on May 29, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – MAY 29: Andre Santos of Flamengo reacts during a match between Flamengo and Figueirense of Brasileirao Series A 2014 at Morumbi Stadium on May 29, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)

The Brazilian asked for a B sample to be taken in May but Hydrochlorothiazide was, again, found in his system and the ban was handed down by the Sports Justice Tribunal of Sao Paulo.

His lawyer, Antonio Carlos de Azevedo, maintains that it is a case of ‘accidental contamination’.

Making just 25 appearances for Arsenal, Santos was never forgiven by fans for swapping shirts at halftime with Robin van Persie in the traitor’s first match against his old side.

Since leaving Arsenal in 2013 (initially on loan) after his short spell in London he has played for four clubs, including some time with FC Goa in India, and was attacked by a Flamengo fan after a poor performance. The attack put the defender in hospital.

Arsenal paid €7m in real cash money for him in 2011.