Andrew Johnson has been banned after he admitted tampering with the doping control process by providing "fraudulent information to UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and/or the Football Association (FA) in relation to a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) request" from a player.

The incident occurred while Johnson was working for Bury, expelled from the English Football League in August after several months of financial problems.

He made an application on behalf of an unnamed player to use a banned substance - believed to be a synthetic testosterone - on medical grounds, dated December 2018.

Johnson, who was charged with an anti-doping rule violation in December, had earlier told BBC Sport he was "ashamed" of his actions and had been "dishonest in retrospectively making an application to cover up" the issue.

"This case is also a reminder that anti-doping rules, and the consequences of breaking them, don’t just apply to athletes," UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said. 

"Those involved in supporting athletes, including medical practitioners, are bound by the World Anti-Doping Code and can also be banned from sport for committing an anti-doping rule violation.

"The TUE system is stringent and requires a detailed application process which must be followed. 

"We work closely with governing bodies of sport to educate athletes and their support teams about this very important process."

In a statement, the FA said: "Dr Andrew Johnson admitted the charge but sought a reduction in the standard sanction by relying on Regulation 72 of The FA’s Anti-Doping Regulations and requested a personal hearing. 

"However, an independent Regulatory Commission subsequently ordered that a reduction in sanction was not appropriate.  

"The suspension was effective immediately and will run until the end of January 13, 2024."