REGARDING the recent so-called drugs scandal involving the Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova.

Simply because Russia have such a bad reputation in the drugs department they are talking about anything from a two to four-year ban, which would almost certainly end her career.

This smacks of sheer victimisation.

Can you imagine the furore in the British media if Maria was English?

The British media have crucified Maria simply because she is Russian and I think it is an absolute scandal.

The tablet she was taking (for medical reasons) was legal up to January 1 and about two weeks later she was tested in the Australian Open.

It all sounds a bit fishy to me and I believe she may have been set up simply because she is Russian and the powers that be wanted to make an example of her, and a name for themselves.

If Maria had been British I doubt if we would have ever even heard of it.

I think it stinks because it is quite possible that there is one law for British tennis players, and an entirely different one for Maria Sharapova, because she happens to be Russian.

ALBERT ADAMSON Great Sankey