Shropshire footballer Terry Fearns is to be suspended without pay after his arrest in a police drugs raid at his Liverpool home.

The AFC Telford United striker was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

However, his club suspension is for a breach of club discipline.

He was arrested by Merseyside Police on Wednesday but it is understood he did not inform the club until Friday afternoon and gave no explanation for missing Thursday evening’s training session or Saturday’s match with King’s Lynn.

Telford have today written to the player informing him of the decision. The suspension, providing he does not appeal, will begin next Monday and run for two weeks.

Club chairman Lee Carter said: “AFC Telford United have written to Terry Fearns informing him of our intention to suspend him for a period of two weeks without pay.

“The suspension, which will take effect from March 16, will be enforced as a result of non-attendance at a club training session and first team match and will be subject to an obligatory seven-day period during which the player is entitled to appeal against the decision.

“As required under the terms of the player’s contract, the club have notified the Football Conference and Football Association of their intended action.

“During those two weeks we will review the situation again and see what further action, if any, we will take,” Mr Carter added.

Fearns, 31, was arrested after a raid in the Sefton area of Liverpool and has been bailed until May by Merseyside Police.

The former Southport marksman, who is Telford’s joint top scorer with 17 goals this season, will not be involved in tonight’s trip to Vauxhall Motors either, as the Bucks look to continue their promotion push.

Telford also have a big match on Saturday when they entertain York City in the first leg of the FA Trophy semi-final – playing for a place at Wembley.

Fearns is still technically available for the crunch game but will not be considered for selection by boss Rob Smith.

By Chris Hudson