Jake Livermore has told West Bromwich Albion officials that a remark directed towards him in relation to his baby son who died in 2014 prompted him to wade into the crowd at the London Stadium and become involved in an altercation with a West Ham fan.
The supporter involved in the altercation has been identified by West Ham and faces a ban if found to have made the alleged comments.
The incident happened just after Livermore was substituted during West Brom’s 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium and it is understood that the Midlands club say they have witnesses to corroborate the midfielder’s account.
West Brom issued a statement on Wednesday in which they said Livermore had moved to confront a fan after hearing a comment about the death of his son. They offered their backing to the player.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
Livermore spoke to members of West Ham’s football operations team before leaving the stadium and the London club want to maintain an open dialogue with the England international. His evidence will help them decide what action to take.
The Football Association has been in touch with the clubs and with Livermore and all parties have until 6pm on Thursday to respond. It is understood that the governing body could take a sympathetic view towards Livermore if it concludes there were mitigating circumstances.
West Ham said in a statement that Livermore had decided not to take the matter to the police but that their own investigations would continue.
“West Ham United can confirm that the individual involved in an altercation with Jake Livermore during last night’s match against West Bromwich Albion was immediately identified and removed from London Stadium,” the club said.
“After the game concluded, West Ham United officials liaised with West Bromwich Albion, Jake Livermore himself and the Metropolitan Police to commence a full investigation into the incident.
“The player has today confirmed he does not wish to make this a police matter. However, given the nature of the allegations, the club will continue to investigate before taking the appropriate action.”
Livermore ended up being escorted down the tunnel by John Carver, Albion’s assistant manager, after stewards had intervened. Alan Pardew, Albion’s manager, was not aware at the time why Livermore reacted in the way that he did but suggested that the player must have been “provoked severely”.