Roberto Firmino was ‘not heard to have used racist language toward Mason Holgate by Merseyside derby referee Bobby Madley’
The FA are investigating the incident after Everton defender alleged Liverpool forward said 'negro'
ROBERTO FIRMINO was not heard to have used any racist language against Everton star Mason Holgate in Friday's Merseyside derby, according to reports.
The incident is being investigated by the FA and both players, as well as match officials, will be interviewed this week.
But according to reports, referee Bobby Madley claimed in his match report that he did NOT hear Firmino, 26, use a racial slur.
The Liverpool forward was incensed after Holgate, 21, pushed him over the advertising board and into the crowd and charged at the Toffees defender while shouting something.
TV images appeared to show Firmino calling Holgate a "filha du puto" - Portuguese for "son of a b****."
But a player got in the way of cameras, cutting off some of the rant and the Toffees defender was left raging.
Holgate alleges that he was called "negro".
Madley had to separate the pair but did not book either player at the time.
Liverpool said they would "fully co-operate" in any investigation.
However, Holgate himself now faces a ban after the FA opened an investigation into allegedly homophobic tweets.
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Old posts from his account were claimed to have been found by some Liverpool fans after he was involved in the row with Firmino during Everton's 2-1 FA Cup defeat.
The Times are reporting that an enquiry has now been launched and that could see Holgate handed a suspension if found guilty.