FA confirm Livermore will face no ban over cocaine use

The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that Hull City's Jake Livermore will not face a ban for using cocaine.

The midfielder was suspended by the FA in May after testing positive in the aftermath of a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace and was facing the prospect of a lengthy sanction.

However, the 25-year-old has avoided punishment due to the "specific and unique nature of the circumstances surrounding the case" as Livermore's failed test was conducted in the aftermath of an inquest into the death of his young child in May 2014, with an independent regulatory commission's full written reasons accepting there were mitigating factors involved.

The FA added in its reasons: "The commission having carefully considered and taking into account all evidence relating to the circumstances and the degree of impairment in this case concludes that Mr Livermore was not negligent or at fault in any real sense.

"The unanimous view of the commission is that the proportionality principle is engaged in the present case such that given the circumstances, as they have been evidenced and found by the commission to exist, the imposition of any period of suspension would be wholly unjust and disproportionate. Indeed in the circumstances it would be unconscionable to impose any period of suspension.

"This decision is not intended to set a precedent. Each case must be considered on its merits and individual facts. It will be a very rare case that does not fall within the express sanctions provided under the Regulations and the World Anti-Doping Cope. This case however is a very rare case."