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Roberto Firmino and Mason Holgate will both be interviewed this week as the FA investigate allegations of the worst kind of racist abuse .

The Football Association will speak to both players before deciding whether to bring charges over the flashpoint between Firmino and Holgate, during Friday's all-Merseyside FA Cup third round tie.

They will also interview other Liverpool and Everton players, referee Bobby Madley and fourth official Jon Moss as part of their probe, with both clubs promising full co-operation.

(Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: PA)

Mirror Sport understands Madley has included the incident in the report he has submitted to the FA, saying that he did not hear Firmino use the N-word during the exchange between the players.

It is believed Madley has made it clear he would have sent the Liverpool forward off had he heard the N-word.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Television pictures of the flashpoint were clear enough for a lip reader to tell the Sunday Mirror that Holgate claimed to the referee afterwards that he had been called “n*****.”

The lip reader said Firmino — who was first shoved into the crowd by Holgate — used a Portuguese phrase ‘Es maluco, filho da puta?”, which translates as “Are you crazy, you son of a b***h?” and said there was no evidence to suggest he had actually used racist language.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Liverpool have spoken to Firmino, but are keen to respect the FA’s investigation and are therefore making no comment.

The FA are not expecting any charges, or further developments, until the interview process has been completed.