Liverpool ran out 2-1winners against their rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round clash at Anfield last week. However, one incident overshadowed the result as Roberto Firmino and Mason Holgate were involved in a heated war of words. The Toffees’ defender shoved Firmino into the advertising hoardings, sparking a tense face-off in which the Brazilian was accused of racially abusing Holgate. However, The Sunday Mirror claim referee Bobby Madley concluded in his post-match report that no racial slur had been used by the Liverpool star.

GETTY Bobby Madley reportedly concluded Roberto Firmino did not use a racial slur aimed at Mason Holgate

GETTY Bobby Madley had to hold the two players apart

The report says Madley has made it clear to the Football Association he would have sent off the Brazil international had he used racist language. Television coverage of the incident shows Holgate suggesting he has been called a n***** by the former Hoffenheim man. However, a professional lip reader has told The Mirror, Firmino is most likely using a common Portuguese phrase “Es maluco, filho da puta?”. It translates as “Are you crazy, you son of a b****?” and the lip reader concluded there was no evidence to suggest racist language had been used.

Roberto Firmino and Mason Holgate trigger Merseyside derby scrap Fri, January 5, 2018 Roberto Firmino and Mason Holgate sparked a heated bust-up during Liverpool and Everton's FA Cup third round tie at Anfield Play slideshow Action Images via Reuters 1 of 9 Mason Holgate and Roberto Firmino were involved in a heated bust-up at Anfield