BANNED JAKE IN CLEAR TO RETURN
THE Football Association have confirmed Hull City midfielder Jake Livermore will face no suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, though this will not set a precedent for future hearings.
The 25-year-old former Tottenham man was suspended by the FA and his club in May after failing a drug test following Hull’s match with Crystal Palace in April, pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
Livermore has admitted to taking cocaine and therefore breaching the FA’s antidoping regulations.
But the FA ruled following testimonies at an independent regulatory commission hearing that he could not be held at “fault” or had acted “negligently”.
An FA statement confirmed: “Due to the specific and unique nature of the circumstances surrounding the case, he will face no suspension.”
And in the commission’s written reasons for their conclusion, published on Thursday, it was ruled the offence “only occurred as a result of the severe impairment of Mr Livermore’s cognitive functions and judgment caused by the circumstances for which he was in no way at fault.
“The decision is not intended to set a precedent. Each case must be considered on its merits and individual facts. It will be very rare case that does not fall within the express sanctions provided under the regulations and the world anti-doping code. This case however is a very rare case.”
Hull manager Steve Bruce had said last month there was “no question” the death of Livermore’s newborn baby in 2014 had been a mitigating factor in the failed test.
And a statement on the Tigers’ website read: “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.”