Former Olympic gold medal boxer Michael Carruth says athletes shouldn’t be ‘thrown under the bus’ for failing drugs tests.

His comments follow the news that Irish Olympic boxer Michael O’Reilly, who tested positive for a banned substance, has been sent home from the Olympics in Rio.

He admitted yesterday that he’d unintentionally taken a supplement which may have got him into trouble.

He said he was given the supplement by someone ‘unrelated to his team or association’ and has apologised to his team-mates.

Former Olympic champion Carruth says O’Reilly shouldn’t be persecuted for doping.

“He’ll get great support through the amateur boxing association, Sport Ireland and I assume the Olympic Council as well,” he said. “He’s made a mistake, let’s not just throw him under the bus.

“He’s made a mistake and it will follow him around for some time.”