Liverpool speak out as Firmino faces FA investigation over Holgate clash

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Liverpool have promised full cooperation with any formal investigation into Roberto Firmino’s clash with Everton’s Mason Holgate during Friday night’s FA Cup tie.

The pair were involved in a first-half dispute when Firmino reacted angrily to being pushed into the stands by Holgate after an innocuous race for the ball near the touchline.

Firmino proceeded to confront the English defender before appearing to criticise him in Portuguese in a fiery bust-up between the two.

The Brazilian has since been accused of directing a racial slur at Holgate, although details remain subject to an official enquiry.

Referee Bobby Madley was quick to separate both men at the time, and would have likely been in a strong position to detect and subsequently punish any wrong-doing on Firmino’s part.

After consulting with fourth official Jon Moss, Madley decided to take no action against either player and is now expected to cover the incident in his post-match report.

Speaking after the game, a Liverpool representative stated: “The club and player will fully co-operate with the relevant authorities to ensure the facts are established in a thorough manner if deemed necessary or requested,” as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

“While that process is ongoing we will not be making any further comment.”

Liverpool fans have since taken to social media to deny suggestions of racism, claiming Firmino visibly used a somewhat common derogatory term.

The incident looms as a concerning shadow over an otherwise enthralling Merseyside derby.

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