Report: West Brom taxi case provisionally dismissed over lack of evidence

Gareth Barry, Jonny Evans, Jake Livermore, and Boaz Myhill appear likely to avoid legal action for reportedly stealing a taxi due to a lack of evidence, according to BBC Sport's Patrick Jennings.

The West Bromwich Albion quartet apologised in a joint statement for bringing "widespread and negative publicity" after breaking curfew during a recent team trip to Barcelona. It is alleged that they took a taxi to a fast-food restaurant upon discovering most establishments were closed in the early hours, but when they left at around 5:30 a.m. local time to return to the hotel, they did so without the driver.

The hotel apparently called the police, and the vehicle was returned to the taxi driver at about 8 a.m.

Mossos d'Esquadra - Catalonia's regional police force - questioned the players but then passed the case onto a local judge, who was asked to consider whether there was any proof to bring charges of "theft and vehicle theft" against the Premier League footballers. Reports suggest wanting evidence has led the case to be provisionally dismissed, but it can be reopened if more evidence is uncovered.

West Brom is conducting an internal investigation into the matter. Evans was stripped of the captaincy for Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Southampton, but started alongside Barry in the FA Cup tussle. Myhill continued in his usual role as substitute goalkeeper, while Livermore was sidelined with a thigh complaint.

"Obviously I was furious with what happened," manager Alan Pardew told BBC Sport after the loss.

"But at the same time, I've got to stay faithful to the players and give them a chance to remedy the situation."

The Baggies are languishing bottom of the Premier League table after 27 matches, seven points adrift of safety. They host another relegation-threatened club, Huddersfield Town, at the Hawthorns next Saturday.