FA clear Firmino over racism claim
‘No evidence’ Liverpool star abused Holgate
ROBERTO FIRMINO has broken his silence after the FA revealed the Liverpool striker has no case to answer following allegations he racially abused Mason Holgate.
The Brazil international clashed with Everton defender Holgate during the FA Cup third round tie at Anfield on January 5. After an exhaustive 47- day process, the FA finally released a statement last night to say there was ‘not sufficient evidence’ to consider charging Firmino.
They had taken statements from 12 players, plus referee Bobby Madley and his assistants, studied a number of television camera angles and brought in two independent Portuguese speaking lipreading experts.
The flashpoint occurred after Holgate had pushed Firmino into the advertising hoardings in the first half of a tie Liverpool won 2-1. Firmino charged at Holgate and the England Under 21 international reacted furiously, claiming he had been called a ‘n*****’.
But after being told that he would not be facing any disciplinary action, Firmino issued a strongly-worded statement of his own in which he revealed that he has been the victim of racial abuse during his own playing career.
Firmino said: ‘As difficult as it has been to remain publicly silent, given the serious and damaging nature of what it was claimed I said, I did so to demonstrate my respect for the process and to allow the issue to be investigated in the most thorough way.
‘It is critical for football that tackling racism and all forms of discrimination is taken extremely seriously. As someone who has experienced racist abuse during my life, I know how damaging and hurtful it can be.
‘Now the process is concluded, I would like to place on record, for the avoidance of any doubt, I did not say the word, or a variation of the word, that was claimed and subsequently reported in the media. I did not use any language that referenced race.
‘I did not — and would never — reference a person’s skin colour or culture, by means of insult, during a dispute or an argument. There is no place for discrimination on a football pitch, or anywhere else in life for that matter. I am pleased the matter is resolved.’
Holgate, who continues to be investigated by the FA over homophobic tweets when he was 15, did not comment but Everton issued a statement on his behalf, in which they accepted the outcome.
It read: ‘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.’
The FA said: ‘We appreciate that this has been a difficult process for both parties, and would like to express our thanks to Mason Holgate and Roberto Firmino as well as both clubs for their assistance, professionalism and full cooperation during this investigation.’