STEVE BRUCE is “devastated” after midfielder Jake Livermore plunged Hull’s
relegation fight into crisis by testing positive for cocaine.
Livermore, 25, with one England cap, has been suspended by both the Tigers and
the FA.
FA regulations warn that recreational use of social drugs carries a ban of up
to six months but if a post-match test is positive the suspension can be as
long as two years.
It comes after a random drug test following the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on
April 25.
Hull, who are two points from safety, face Livermore’s former club Spurs away
today and a source close to the boss revealed: “Steve is absolutely
devastated by this.
“After what he has gone through this season with losing key players to
long-term injuries, the club’s name-change issue, and the battle to stay in
the Premier League, this is the last thing he needed.”
Hull confirmed: “Following suspension by the FA, the club has suspended Jake
Livermore pending further investigations to be made by the FA and our own
disciplinary procedures.
“The club is unable to make any further comment during this process.”