Jake Livermore: Hull midfielder faces two-year ban for cocaine positive test

FA rules stipulate penalty if recreational drugs are used in a match environment

(GETTY IMAGES)

Steve Bruce, the Hull City manager, who enters the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season in a desperate relegation fight, faces the prospect of one of his principal midfielders, Jake Livermore, being banned for up to two years after testing positive for cocaine.

The club confirmed they have suspended the 25-year-old, who has one England cap, and it is understood that a drug test after Hull’s match at Crystal Palace revealed cocaine use. The Football Association’s rules stipulate a two-year ban from all football for players who test positive for a recreational drug in a match environment.

The FA’s policy is not to disclose the name of a player who tests positive for a social drug, allowing them privacy to undergo any necessary rehabilitation and counselling.

Steve Bruce's team are in the relegation zone with just two matches to play (Getty)

In a club statement, Hull said : “Following suspension by the FA the club has subsequently suspended Jake Livermore pending further investigations to be made by the FA and our own internal disciplinary procedures.”

Bruce’s biggest concern is the rest of the Premier League season – starting with the visit to Tottenham Hotspur, the club which loaned Livermore to Hull in 2013 and agreed a then-club record £8m permanent deal last summer. Livermore was considered integral to Bruce’s quest to take at least a point from Spurs.

Hull, two points adrift of Newcastle and Sunderland on 34 points, cannot be relegated this weekend. But they could be down before Manchester United, Bruce’s old club, arrive at the KC Stadium a week on Sunday.

The Hull owner, Assem Allam, confirmed on Friday night that Bruce would be retained by the club if they are relegated.