Football
ESPN staff 9y

Hull's Jake Livermore escapes ban over cocaine use, FA confirms

Hull midfielder Jake Livermore will not be banned after testing positive for a prohibited substance due to "the specific and unique nature of the circumstances surrounding the case."

Livermore, 25, was initially suspended by both Hull City and the FA in May with the Daily Telegraph and the BBC reporting that he had tested positive for cocaine.

The test was carried out after the Tigers' 2-0 Premier League win at Crystal Palace on April 25, with Livermore playing three further matches before the matter came to light.

Failed in-competition drugs tests carry a maximum ban of two years but Livermore has avoided a ban due to extenuating personal circumstances relating to the death of his newborn child, Jake Junior, in May 2014.

An FA statement read: "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Hull City FC midfielder, Jake Livermore, has admitted breaching Regulation 3 of The FA's Anti-Doping Regulations after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

"However, due to the specific and unique nature of the circumstances surrounding the case, he will face no suspension."

The player has been ordered to undertake a course of rehabilitation and education, while he will also be the subject of Target Testing for 12 months. 

A statement released on Hull's official website added: "The club can confirm that an independent commission appointed by the FA have found no fault or negligence against Jake Livermore with regards to his failed drugs test following our game with Crystal Palace in April.

"Jake's suspension at the club has been lifted and given the circumstances surrounding the matter we will look to support Jake as he continues to recover from what has been a difficult period for him and his family.

"Finally, any internal disciplinary measures will be kept confidential and the club will make no statement in respect of whether any internal measures are taken."

Livermore has kept in shape by keeping his own personal fitness regime in London and, having met boss Steve Bruce and rejoined light training with the squad, a timetable on his possible first-team return is being discussed.

He was an £8 million signing from Tottenham in the summer of 2014 having already played at the KC Stadium for a year on loan. Hull were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season.

The news was welcomed by the Professional Footballers' Association.

Chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "This was a truly exceptional case and we are delighted that the commission has imposed a just and proportionate sanction in light of the facts of the case.

"It was correct not to follow the express sanctions provided under the FA Regulations and WADA Code. As was correctly noted, the emphasis of this case must be to now support Jake. I would request that the media respect Jake's right to privacy at this time."

^ Back to Top ^