Liverpool FC has released a statement after allegations by Everton's Mason Holgate that he was racially abused by Roberto Firmino during Liverpool’s FA Cup third round victory last night.
The pair became embroiled in an altercation after Holgate pushed the Brazilian out over the sideline and over advertising boards. Firmino ran to confront him and said something to Everton defender who then had to be restrained by his team-mates.
Liverpool FC's spokesperson issued the following statement:
The club and the player will fully co-operate with the relevant authorities to ensure the facts are established in a thorough manner if deemed necessary or requested. While that process is ongoing we will not be making any further comment.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had this to say:
I heard about something but I can’t say anything so far. The fourth official said something to me. I never heard the words so I thought they were going to investigate the Holgate foul. That’s how I understood it at first. Then after the game the fourth official informed me but it wasn’t that I really got what it was about
The Football Association will investigate the matter.
