Ian Ayre: Issued written apology for Jen Chang's actions

Cummins, creator of fictional Twitter character and spoof football journalist Duncan Jenkins, met Chang in a Manchester restaurant after the latter suspected someone from inside the club was leaking information.

At that meeting Cummins assured Chang his source was actually second-hand details gleaned from the internet, however, he subsequently alleged in a blog Liverpool's communication chief had made a number of threats to him.

The club investigated the matter and Cummins has received a letter of apology from managing director Ian Ayre.

"Based on everything I have heard and seen, including information provided by the parties involved in the matter, I acknowledge some of the elements you highlight were not appropriate," said the letter, published by sportingintelligence.

"I would therefore like to apologise to you on behalf of Liverpool FC, for any upset and distress this caused you.

"Clearly it is not appropriate for me to comment on how the club is managing this internally, and I trust you understand this."

The club are making no further comment on the matter.