Jake Livermore: West Brom say midfielder was taunted by West Ham fan over the death of his son

England international Livermore, who was substituted just after the hour, had to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident

Wednesday 03 January 2018 13:22 GMT
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Jake Livermore had to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident at the London Stadium
Jake Livermore had to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident at the London Stadium (Getty)

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West Brom say Jake Livermore was taunted by a West Ham fan over the death of his baby son which prompted a confrontation during Tuesday's Premier League match.

The Hammers fan, who has since been identified by the club, is understood to have shouted at Livermore, and an investigation is now underway.

Livermore, who was substituted just after the hour, had to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident, which was not clearly picked up on CCTV footage.

West Ham acted quickly to eject the fan, who was spoken to by stadium staff on Tuesday evening.

It is understood the Hammers are continuing to actively look into the matter, working with West Brom and 28-year-old Livermore to determine exactly what happened.

The Football Association has also requested observations from all parties on the incident. Once the investigations are concluded, West Ham intend to take swift action regarding the individual concerned, with a stadium ban being considered.

Livermore was shouted at shortly after being substituted
Livermore was shouted at shortly after being substituted (Getty)

West Brom confirmed they are working with the FA in an official statement on Wednesday.

"In the light of intense media speculation, West Bromwich Albion would like to clarify an incident involving our player Jake Livermore in last night's Premier League game at West Ham," they said.

"Following his substitution in the second half, Jake was subjected to general abuse from home supporters which he shrugged off. However, he acknowledges that he moved to confront one spectator who chose to make a comment about the death of his infant son.

"The club would like to think that all right-minded football supporters could understand this reaction which did not result in any physical exchanges before Jake was led away to our dressing room.

"Jake is an outstanding young individual who has the total support of everyone at the club and he has made it clear he considers this statement to be an end to an unhappy incident.

"Albion were very appreciative of the swift response by the officials of West Ham in dealing with this matter and are more than happy to leave any further action they deem appropriate in their hands.

"The club has responded to an FA request to offer our observations of the incident and will not be making any further comment."

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