Chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association Gordon Taylor has said that he backs the Football Association's decision to not suspend Hull City midfielder Jake Livermore for taking cocaine.
The 25-year-old has avoided a potential two-year drugs ban after testing positive for the substance in May.
Livermore was suspended by both his club and the FA following the test but following a disciplinary hearing last week, the FA has decided that he will receive no further punishment.
"This was a truly exceptional case and we are delighted that the Commission has imposed a just and proportionate sanction in light of the facts of the case," Taylor told the PFA's official website.
"It was correct not to follow the express sanctions provided under the FA Regulations and WADA Code. As was correctly noted, the emphasis of this case must be to now support Jake.
"I would request that the media respect Jake's right to privacy at this time."
Hull have also lifted the suspension that they imposed on Livermore.
Steven Toplis
