Police to probe racist comments after rivals clash in Liverpool-Everton Cup game

LONDON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Police in Liverpool announced Sunday they are investigating a series of messages posted on social media following an exchange between Mason Holgate and Roberto Firmino during a Liverpool and Everton FA Cup clash on Friday.

Liverpool forward Firmino is facing a Football Association (FA) anti-racism probe after an altercation with Everton defender Holgate. An announcement is expected from the FA headquarters Monday after officials study a post-match report by referee Bobby Madley.

The FA confirmed it is launching its own investigation after allegations by Holgate that he was racially abused by Firmino.

"The FA can confirm that referee Bobby Madley was made aware of an allegation during the Liverpool versus Everton game at Anfield and has subsequently reported this to the FA, which will now begin making enquiries into the matter," said a FA statement.

The Liverpool Echo newspaper reported that having been pushed into the crowd by his opponent during a challenge, an unhappy Firmino was captured on camera shouting at Holgate in Portuguese when confronting the Blues center-back.

Holgate, 21, deleted his Twitter account after the match at Anfield, which Liverpool won 2-1. Attention focused on what may have been said by Brazilian forward Firmino following the first-half challenge.

In a statement Sunday, Merseyside Police in Liverpool confirmed they are aware of racist comments posted by a number of individuals on Friday, 5 January, 2018, and will be investigating the matter. Enditem