West Ham consider lifetime ban for supporter who taunted Jake Livermore over death of his son

Jake Livermore
Jake Livermore clashed with West Ham fans shortly after coming off at the London Stadium Credit: GETTY IMAGES

West Ham United could issue a lifetime ban to a supporter accused of taunting West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jake Livermore over the death of his baby son.

Livermore, who started his career at West Ham’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur, confronted a fan after he was substituted in West Brom’s 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium on Tuesday night.

West Brom confirmed that Livermore reacted over remarks made about his son, who tragically died shortly after birth in 2014.

The England international waded into the crowd after hearing the comment before the incident was broken up by stewards and coaching staff.

Livermore was eventually escorted down the tunnel by a member of the West Brom backroom staff, as assistant head coach John Carver remonstrated with stewards.

West Ham identified and ejected the supporter at the time of the incident and are still investigating exactly what happened.

The Hammers are already committed to banning the individual from the London Stadium and are now just considering how long that will be imposed for. A lifetime ban has not been discounted.

Livermore has decided not to refer the incident to the police, with West Ham promising to take the strongest appropriate action.

Livermore confronts fans at Upton Park
Livermore was escorted down the tunnel after making his way towards the crowd

A West Ham spokesman said: “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.

“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.”

In a statement released on their website, West Brom said: “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.

“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.

Jake Livermore in action
Livermore in action at the London Stadium Credit: Getty images

“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.”

The FA asked that West Brom, Livermore and West Ham report their observations of the incident by 6pm on Thursday night.

After the game, West Brom manager Alan Pardew said: “The only thing I know is that I saw Jake in the crowd which disturbed me a bit.

“He wouldn’t have done that unless he was provoked severely. I’ll talk to him and we’ll go from there.”

It has also emerged that West Brom attacker James McClean's house was burgled during Tuesday's defeat.

McClean, who scored West Brom’s goal in the first half, posted a video on Instagram and wrote: “When you get home from a last min defeat and your house has been robbed... thieving smelly b******s! Great night!”

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