Firmino avoids punishment in Holgate case

Published on: 21 February 2018

The English Football Association (FA) have confirmed that they will be taking no disciplinary action against Roberto Firmino in regards to the allegation made by Everton's Mason Holgate.

Holgate had alleged that he heard Firmino direct a discriminatory term towards him during Liverpool's FA Cup tie with Everton at Anfield on Jan. 5.

The FA said in a statement: "Having considered all of the available evidence, we consider it is not sufficient to raise a charge against Firmino.

"However, we are completely satisfied that the allegation was made in absolute good faith by Holgate and that there is no suggestion of this being an intentionally false or malicious allegation.

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"We continue to take all allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and would encourage all participants who believe that they have been the subject of or witness to discriminatory abuse to report this through the appropriate channels.

"Holgate and Everton followed the proper process by reporting the matter to the match officials at the time and subsequently to The FA."

Meanwhile, a statement from Everton said: "Everton Football Club acknowledges and appreciates the thoroughness of the FA's investigation into the incident that took place during our FA Cup third round game on January 5.

"The Club welcomes the FA's expression of complete satisfaction that the allegation made by our player, Mason Holgate, was done so in absolute good faith, that proper process was followed and that there is no suggestion of malice or dishonesty on Mason's part.

"The Club also welcomes the FA's commitment to continue to treat all allegations of a discriminatory nature with extreme seriousness. In challenging circumstances, the FA has reached its determination and, as a Club, we accept this.

"We will continue to offer the full support of the Club to Mason and will make no further comment."

Source: espn.co.uk

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