Hull's Jake Livermore will not be banned by FA following positive drugs test

Hull City midfielder Jake Livermore will face no suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, the FA has announced.

A statement issued on the Football Association's website 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."

Livermore tested positive for cocaine earlier this year and was suspended by his club and the FA pending further investigation.

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.

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 and the club will make no statement in respect of whether any internal measures are taken."

The news was also welcomed by the Professional Footballers' Association's chief executive Gordon Taylor. 

"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," Taylor said.

"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."

The 25-year-old admitted a breach of the FA's anti-doping regulations after revealing, at an independent regulatory commission hearing last week, that the death of his newborn son Jake Junior in May 2014 had had a significant impact on him.

In its written reasons, published on Thursday, the commission ruled that 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 former Tottenham midfielder, who is understood to have returned to training with his club, was charged after failing a drugs test following Hull's 2-0 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace on April 25.

He was notified on May 13 having played in three more games, and was provisionally suspended.

However, at the hearing on September 2, Livermore told the commission how he and his family had been affected by his son's death, backed by the evidence of consultant psychiatrist Dr Philip Hopley.

Witness statements, including those from his father Kevin, Hull boss Bruce and team-mate Tom Huddlestone, were also considered. 

The report, from which much of the sensitive medical evidence has been redacted, said: "The commission found Mr Livermore to be an entirely honest and compelling witness who gave his evidence without exaggeration.

"The tragic death of Jake Junior had a devastating effect upon Mr Livermore, his partner and their families. The commission has the clearest medical evidence as to the effect of this on Mr Livermore's mental health.

"However, the matters set out above do not set out the full extent of the tragedy and the impact upon Mr Livermore."

The commission also accepted that Livermore had not sought to enhance his performance as an athlete by using a banned substance, had tested negative on 10 previous occasions and had never before used recreational drugs.