Shane Sutton denies Richard Freeman’s claim that testosterone was for him as ex-Team Sky doctor’s tribunal finally opens

Shane Sutton has denied Richard Freeman’s claim that he was the intended recipient of testosterone patches ordered by the former Team Sky and British Cycling doctor as the long-delayed Medical Practitioners Tribunal Services hearing into him opened in Manchester today.

Freeman’s lawyer, Mary O’Rourke QC, claimed today that the doctor had ordered 30 sachets of Testogel patches, which were delivered to the National Cycling Centre in 2011, for Sutton. Freeman denies that they were intended for use by an athlete.

O’Rourke plans to cross-examine Sutton during the hearing, which is scheduled to last eight weeks, but in a pre-hearing witness statement, the Australian has denied that they were meant for him, as well as denying knowledge of the delivery.

Freeman, who had earlier failed twice to appear before a parliamentary committee investigating doping in sport due to ill-health, has said he has had suicidal thoughts due to that inquiry and a UK Anti-Doping investigation during which the testosterone delivery came to light.

It emerged today that Freeman, who faces 22 charges of misconduct brought by the General Medical Council – he admits all but three – said in his pre-hearing witness statement that he had told a “lot of lies” throughout the process.

However, he continues to maintain that the Testogel patches were not intended for use by athletes.

The hearing continues.