DESOLATE team boss Neil Middleditch was unsparing in his criticism of Poole Pirates captain Darcy Ward who was today suspended indefinitely from all speedway.

The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) issued Ward with a blanket ban some 11 days after his failed alcohol test prior to the Latvian Grand Prix.

Ward's case has been referred to the FIM’s International Disciplinary Court with the Australian star unable to compete before they reach their verdict. There has been no indication as to how long that could take.

Middleditch pulled no punches over his talisman’s actions and also launched a scathing attack on the FIM after their delayed decision over Ward left Pirates no time to find a suitable replacement.

Poole’s team manager revealed that promoter Matt Ford had exhausted all suitable options in his quest to replace Ward before the Elite League deadline for re-declared teams passes at midnight.

Pirates will now have to manage with guests as they seek to successfully defend their top flight crown, a prospect Middleditch insists should have been avoided.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Middleditch said: “I don’t condone Darcy’s actions at all and he needs to be punished but their (the FIM’s) handling of the case has been diabolical and very amateurish.

“If they were going to suspend him they should have done so straight away which would have given us the chance to get something in place.

“We’re in the business of trying to win the league and this is a massive blow to us. You just can’t replace someone like Darcy Ward, it’s not that simple.

“I’m devastated that the title race could slip away from us now. We’re not throwing in the towel and will keep fighting but our options are limited.

“I feel sick to my stomach. I feel so disappointed in his (Ward’s) actions. He has been in enough trouble in the past and should have learned his lesson by now.

“He’s let me down personally and he’s let down the club, the supporters and himself. He could potentially have been world champion this year and now that he has lost that opportunity.

“He’s a grown man and should know what he can’t do. He knows the rules and now he’s being punished for it. I don’t know how far over (the alcohol limit) he was but he was. That’s the bottom line.

“It’s a crying shame because the kid is one of the best talents I can remember seeing on a bike but dare I say it, he’s wasting it.”

On Poole’s next step, Middleditch added: “I think we’re looking at guests. The riders we wanted were not available, didn’t want to do it or were focused on the Grand Prix as their main goal."