FIRMINO RELIEF AS HE’S CLEARED IN HOLGATE RACIAL ABUSE PROBE

ROBERTO FIRMINO spoke of his relief at being cleared of racially abusing Everton’s Mason Holgate.

The Liverpool forward avoided disciplinary action after the FA threw out claims from Holgate that he had used a “discriminatory term” during last month’s Mersey derby.

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 during the game, I did so to demonstrate my respect for the process and to allow

the issue to be investigated in the most thorough way. 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.” The FA found in favour of the Brazil star (left) after its investigation concluded the evidence was “not sufficient” to charge. Firmino admitted insulting Holgate in Portuguese, but denied using discriminatory language. He added: ”I did not say the word, or a variation of the word, that was claimed and subsequently reported in the media.” The FA made it clear that Holgate was within his rights to speak out, despite no charge being brought.