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Ben Johnson in the controversial ad. Sportsbet.com.au/Twitter

Australian anti-doping chiefs say new Ben Johnson ad is no laughing matter

The Canadian sprinter is the star of a new ad in Australia.

THE AUSTRALIAN ANTI-doping authority (ASADA) has lodged an official complaint over a new TV ad for betting company Sportsbet which features Olympic drug cheat Ben Johnson.

The campaign, tagged “putting the ‘roid into Android” has also been the subject of complaints from politicians and the sporting community in Australia.

It features Johnson, in his role as a 48-hour Olympic champion, extolling the virtues of having an unfair advantage, along with a number of actors who are not unlike disgraced sports stars.

Sportsbet.com.au / YouTube

However, ASADA do not see the funny side of it.

Acting chief executive Judy Lind said in a statement to the Hearld Sun: “This advert makes light of the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport and sends the completely wrong message that the use of drugs in sport is normal.”

This advertising campaign belittles the achievements of clean athletes and denigrates those who work to protect clean sport across the world.”

She also confirmed it had written to the Australian Communications and Media Authority to complain.

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    Mute john g mcgrath
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    Mar 19th 2013, 7:14 PM

    It’s John Delaney that should be put in row z !!!

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    Mute benny the ball
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    Mar 19th 2013, 7:16 PM

    He is overrated & not in the top 50 in the world in my opinion…. I’m all for people loving themselves but this guy takes it to the narcissistic zone.

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    Mute See My Vest
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    Mar 19th 2013, 7:48 PM

    He’s an amazing player. granted he’s not in the real top elite Ronaldo /Messi level but he’s easily in the top 50. A complete narcissist but every bit as good as he thinks he is.

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    Mute David O'Sullivan
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    Mar 19th 2013, 7:51 PM

    He’s won a league title in 9 of the last 10 years, being the top scorer for his club in 9 of those seasons!! He’s a world class striker, easily top 8 players in the world!

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