Ivory Coast players are rallying around Manchester City defender Kolo Toure.

Toure faces a lengthy ban after failing a drugs test.

Kolo’s Ivory Coast team-mate Emerse Fae rallied behind the central defender, insisting he is a clean-living home lad.

The Nice midfielder, who spent a season in the Premier League with Reading, said he would bet his life that Toure is innocent and believes he is the victim of a mistake.

Fae said: “This does not seem like Kolo at all. He is a very home-loving guy, who leads a healthy life.

“I would be prepared to bet my life that he is innocent in this matter.

“When he plays for the Ivory Coast he is like a big brother to the rest of us. I am convinced that the result of the B-sample will clear his name.”