Hird: ‘This is a miscarriage of justice’

James Hird has released a statement following the CAS guilty verdict.

The former Essendon player and coach is gutted by the Court of Arbitration of Sport's decision to find 34 past and present Essendon players guilty of taking banned substance Thymosin Beta-4, banning the players for 12-months.

“I am shocked by this decision," Hird told the Herald Sun.

“I firmly believe the players do not deserve this finding.

“They do not deserve to face a twelve -month suspension from the sport.

“This is a miscarriage of justice for 34 young men.’’