Any potential charges against Roberto Firmino were totally dropped last night.
The FA had been investigating Mason Holgate’s accusation during the FA Cup 3rd Round Tie that Liverpool’s Brazilian had racially abused him, despite video evidence suggesting the complete contrary.
How it’s taken six weeks, we have no idea, considering everything that came out of Firmino’s mouth was lipread. It was full of swearwords (understandable considerable Holgate had just pushed him over the advertising boardings), but nothing racist was uttered.
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Liverpool release statement after Roberto Firmino is cleared by FA investigation
But despite Holgate’s initial push, which warranted a red in itself, and then the false accusation, nothing is happening to the Everton defender.
Perhaps he really did think Bobby had said something, and if this was the case, it would be wrong to punish someone for believing they heard a racist insult. But the only person who will ever know is the player himself.
Here’s some of the reaction from Liverpool fans:
So if firmino is innocent holgate should be in trouble for lying and making up these allegations?
— Matt Clemes (@kop_mcuk) February 21, 2018
Holgate should have the decency to apologize to Bobby , but we know it’s never gonna happen
— farouk Mohammad (@FaroukMOH123) February 21, 2018
The FA have worded their statement to leavè an element of doubt and they have favoured Holgate. They have been disgraceful in this matter taking all this time despite there being no evidence. They should have said that Firmino is completely exonerated.
— Sue (@suegarvie) February 21, 2018
Why wasn’t Holgate done on two counts then: malicious accusation and shoving Firmino into the crowd, a career-threatening act? The FA are beyond satire.
— Ron Nield (@r_nield) February 21, 2018
Holgate is a dirty shitter who tried the race card.
Why wasn’t he charged for the push, Bobby could have ended up with a bad head injury.
😡🤬🤬— Sharms (@Lord_SKS) February 21, 2018
Dropped the case with no penalty for the accuser? Wow!! Firmino would have been charged and banned.. But Holgate goes free for falsely accusing Firmino!! FA needs to set up penalty for those that will accuse their opponent of racism falsely as well.
— Martin (@Wiamah) February 22, 2018
Firmino escapes punishment ! What !! Holdgate escapes everything ! The FA are a joke !
— Chris Read (@Freddyfp) February 21, 2018
there was plenty of evidence of Holgate pushing Bobby into the crowd and his racist accusation. Yet still no charges for him. He should have got a straight red for the push alone. @FA bottled it again.
— JFT96 Jeff Iceton (@ICEKOP) February 21, 2018
well let’s have Holgate charged with bringing the game into disrepute and his aggressive abuse of the official
— Stan Crook (@stanc24) February 22, 2018