FORMER Clarets goal ace Andy Payton has been cautioned by police after 17 cannabis plants were seized in a drugs raid on his house in Burnley.

Police raided his home in Mary Towneley Fold, Fulledge, after issuing a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Payton, 41, was not present when officers moved in on his home in the quiet cul-de-sac, off Culshaw Street.

But he said he was informed of their action after being approached by police colleagues in the town centre.

Payton, known to Clarets fans as the Padiham Predator, confirmed that the raid had taken place and that he was not present at the time.

Payton said: “I don’t use cannabis. I don’t do drugs.”

He refused to comment further.

Police sources confirmed Payton, who also played for Hull City, Middlesbrough and Celtic, received a caution for possessing a class B drugs.

A Lancashire Police statement said: “Police in Burnley recovered 17 cannabis plants following a warrant at an address on Mary Towneley Fold yesterday.

“A 41-year-old man was subsequently arrested and received a police caution.”

Payton is in the process of launching his own ‘school of finishing’ and had been named in the nine-man Burnley squad for the Sky Master Cup.

He is also set to begin a full-time coaching role at Burnley College in a month’s time.

Last night Burnley College were unavailable for comment.

A Burnley Football Club spokesman said: “We have been informed that a former player is currently assisting the police with their inquiries over allegations involving drugs.

“The club maintains a zero tolerance policy towards drugs and expects current employees, especially players who are seen as role models, to set and uphold high moral standards, both in public society and in private.

“However, the person in question is not employed by Burnley Football Club and this is therefore a matter for the police.”

Payton played for the Clarets from 1998 to 2003 and made 131 starts plus 47 appearances as a substitute, scoring 81 goals.