West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore heckled about death of son during West Ham clash

  • 04/01/2018
Jake Livermore had to be escorted to the changing sheds after the incident.
Jake Livermore had to be escorted to the changing sheds after the incident. Photo credit: Getty Images

West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore moved to confront a West Ham United fan who allegedly made a comment about the death of his baby son during their English Premier League match.    

The supporter is understood to have shouted to Livermore, and the Hammers are investigating whether the abuse directed was about the player's baby, who died in 2014.               

England international Livermore, who was substituted just after the hour, had to be escorted down the tunnel following the incident, which was not clearly picked up on CCTV footage.

In a statement, West Ham said: "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."                

The Football Association has also requested observations from all parties, which must be received by 6pm on Thursday (Friday (NZ time).            

Jake Livermore heads off the field against West Ham.
Jake Livermore heads off the field against West Ham. Photo credit: Getty Images

West Brom issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday (NZ time), offering the "total support of everyone at the club" to Livermore.

The statement read: "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.   

"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."               

PA