Chris Armstrong refused permission to play
THE English Football Association refused Crystal Palace striker Chris Armstrong permission to play in his team's League Cup semi-final against Liverpool tonight while he continues to receive counselling after his positive test for cannabis.
The FA also declined to say when Armstrong will be allowed back to help the team's relegation battle.
Armstrong has already missed two games after testing positive for what is considered a social drug which has no performance-enhancing qualities but still is on the International Olympic Committee's list of banned substances.
Palace asked the FA's permission for Armstrong to rejoin the team for vital upcoming games while he goes through counselling.
The FA's refusal riled Palace manager Alan Smith.
'The whole thing is a storm in a teacup. I can't see what the problem is.'
