West Ham investigate claims Jake Livermore taunted about death of son
West Bromwich Albion have defended Jake Livermore after he confronted a West Ham fan who the midfielder believed taunted him about his son who died in 2014.
The England international was involved in an angry altercation with a supporter following his substitution during his side's 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium, before being escorted down the tunnel by a steward.
West Ham have identified the fan alleged to be at the centre of the incident and could issue a stadium ban once their investigation has concluded.
‘Following his substitution in the second half, Jake was subjected to general abuse from home supporters which he shrugged off," read a West Brom statement.
"However, he acknowledges that he moved to confront one spectator who chose to make a comment about the death of his infant son.
"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."
Livermore’s son tragically died shortly after being born in 2014. He tested positive for cocaine soon after, a subject of taunts from a larger contingent of fans at West Ham.
"The only thing I know is I see Jake in the crowd, which disturbed me," said Baggies manager Alan Pardew.
"Obviously you don't want to see a player in the crowd. There's no way he's going in the crowd — because I know him, he’s a great lad — unless he was provoked severely. That’s all I know.”
West Ham manager David Moyes said he was not aware of the incident at the time.
“I didn’t know about it, but I’ve been told something happened,” he said.
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