Roberto Firmino

[Rich]

If he did say son of a bitch then that’s not an issue.

As for the push on him, that for me was a red card. Dangerous play. Firmino could of been injured easily, as could someone in the stand. Disgrace.

[Roboklopp]

Aye, but now that’s not the major talking point is it? Nor even is the VVD goal & LFC win.

[Kenneth]

I suspect there will be no evidence of a racial comment seeing as the ref and loads of other people were there when Firmino was shouting at the top of his voice. But Holgate will avoid a ban so there isn't the perception that the accuser gets punished alone, ignoring the real context. For me the question is likely to end up being very uncomfortable, did Holgate play 'the card' in an attempt not to get sent off or was it genuine?

[Resu]

What are you talking about? Have you never seen two blokes square up in your entire life? As if Firmino was definitely going to go for the running headbutt or such like.

Bans is maybe a bit strong, I'll moderate it to cards. The thing if an Everton player had stopped him our players would get involved. The tension were high at that point, and several players on both sides seemed ready for a little "discussion".

[Roboklopp]

Aye, and no one will wanna go there.

[Exiled_red]

Just watched the video on again on youtube

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ROfdsi_mZ0"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ROfdsi_mZ0[/ame]

After the push Firmino runs over towards him the ref gets in the way, Firmino shouts at him, while his is happening Holgate is facing Firmino up, immediately after Holgate turns his attention away from Firmino and turns his attention to the referee. It looks to me like what Firmino says when the ref is between them is what sparks Holgate's reaction and presumably the allegation.

[ric.williams]

its a blatant red. firmino isnt even on the pitch when he gets shoved over the boards

[Roboklopp]

Aye, even needs 2 goes to push him out. Little ratfaced cunt.

[Kenneth]

Just watched the video on again on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ROfdsi_mZ0

After the push Firmino runs over towards him the ref gets in the way, Firmino shouts at him, while his is happening Holgate is facing Firmino up, immediately after Holgate turns his attention away from Firmino and turns his attention to the referee. It looks to me like what Firmino says when the ref is between them is what sparks Holgate's reaction and presumably the allegation.

Indeed, but nobody else reacts.

[Exiled_red]

I suspect there will be no evidence of a racial comment seeing as the ref and loads of other people were there when Firmino was shouting at the top of his voice. But Holgate will avoid a ban so there isn't the perception that the accuser gets punished alone, ignoring the real context. For me the question is likely to end up being very uncomfortable, did Holgate play 'the card' in an attempt not to get sent off or was it genuine?

It will be interesting to know what language the comment was supposedly made in because it looks as if Firmino is shouting in Portuguese but Holgate is claiming to understand (Does Holgate speak Portuguese?). If it was in English the ref couldn't have been better placed to see or hear what was said. If he has heard what Holgate alleges Firmino said he (Firmino) would certainly have been sent off. So unless video evidence shows anything else I can't imagine anything happening. There are a few other players around as well, Lallana and Kenny are probably the closest.

[Exiled_red]

Indeed, but nobody else reacts.

It seems unlikely that the comment was made in English but no-one else heard. So it seems likely that it must take place in a language that Firmino speaks and Holgate understands, but the ref and other players nearby don't, Holgate mishears or the claim is made for other reasons.

I really hope that he has misheard because the other two options would not be what we want in football.

[Lecter]

[ame]https://twitter.com/tombearwhiteley/status/949420973417287685[/ame]

[Kenneth]

Ok, that seems pretty definitive compared to coverage anywhere else.

Now ban the cunt.

[Tatterdemalion]

I missed the game as I was out, but having watched that video it looks like a storm in a tea-cup to me. If Firmino has said something (he undoubtedly had something to say!), assuming it is in English, it is right in the ref's ear. No excuse for not hearing it and he hasn't sent him off. Just standard derby stuff tbh.

[Snigger]

Why did the ref go and talk to the 4th official - he was miles away and wouldn't have heard anything - can't believe Holgate got off without even a yellow.