Roberto Firmino

[Exiled_red]

Ultimately because the push was not dealt with, I suspect regardless of what has gone on as some have already suggested, the FA will deem the evidence inclusive and drop the matter. The whole thing will blow over much like it did in the game. Bobby does not have the same reputation Suarez had, the English press had a complete hard on for that guy. I only hope it does not mess with Bobbys head.

To be honest I don't care about what happens regarding the push. The issue of racism or potential racism is a much bigger issue. Getting the truth from that is all than matters. IMO regardless of the outcome of the racism investigation us pushing () for a Holgate ban for the push is somewhat petty and small time. Let's leave that sort of behaviour for other clubs supporters.

[Kenneth]

A ban for the push will not help us, it's too late, he should have been red carded during the game.

[Exiled_red]

I am personally cynical because of the way he stood there looking for a reaction out of Bobby, he was trying to get him sent off.

At this stage is 6 of one half a dozen of the other.

The sooner its dealt with and we can move on the better.

I think that is a natural reaction to face someone who is angry at you rather than turn your back on them as if they are going to throw a punch, push you or whatever you want to see it coming. I don't doubt that if Firmino had thrown a punch he ( Holgate) would have been happy to see Firmino sent off. I think most players/people would do that. But I think that from there to making up a fake accusation of racial abuse is a huge step up that would only be attempted by the morally bankrupt and I don't think (and hope) Holgate doesn't fall in that category

[Nicey]

Well, I think we should keep our powder dry on this ... I understand peoples sentiments about the sensitivity around racism and perhaps something which could act as a barrier to future abuse equally can you imagine if you did not have a racist bone in your body and some ****ehouse claimed you used a racist slur against them because .. dickheads come in all colours genders etc

Anyways let see what happens, hopefully nothing, if Holgate did misunderstand, I am sure his own players will not be impressed with him

[Nicey]

I think that is a natural reaction to face someone who is angry at you rather than turn your back on them as if they are going to throw a punch, push you or whatever you want to see it coming. I don't doubt that if Firmino had thrown a punch he ( Holgate) would have been happy to see Firmino sent off. I think most players/people would do that. But I think that from there to making up a fake accusation of racial abuse is a huge step up that would only be attempted by the morally bankrupt and I don't think (and hope) Holgate doesn't fall in that category

This is the guy who pushed a player into a stands, for me honestly a ****ehouse move, I have seen it happen and somebody get really hurt from it. The same guy who calls people Batty Boys, and says is it me or are there gays everywhere ... Sounds like a sound bloke

[Assassin]

This is the guy who pushed a player into a stands, for me honestly a ****ehouse move, I have seen it happen and somebody get really hurt from it. The same guy who calls people Batty Boys, and says is it me or are there gays everywhere ... Sounds like a sound bloke

[Doc_Piptorious]

To be honest I don't care about what happens regarding the push. The issue of racism or potential racism is a much bigger issue. Getting the truth from that is all than matters. IMO regardless of the outcome of the racism investigation us pushing () for a Holgate ban for the push is somewhat petty and small time. Let's leave that sort of behaviour for other clubs supporters.

Actually I don't think highlighting the lack of action for the shove is small time at all. For me it is more about showing up the lack of consistency from refs and the FA than the issue involving Holgate himself and a poetntial ban.


Mane was sent off earlier this season for what was called reckless behavour and endangerment.

Firmino being pushed from behind and into the crowd should fall under reckless behaviour, endangerment and possibly even incitement as the crowd were brought into it thanks to a player landing on them.

Cullen gets caught smack in the face with a boot, and no sending off a la Mane and not even a yellow card for so called reckless or endangering behaviour.


So do the rules simply depend upon the mood of the ref on the day or the mood of the FA as to whether of not they want to look into incidents in a retrospective manner?


A rule cannot be enforced and deemed important one week and then just be ignored/overlooked for similar breaches of that rule down the line.


If the refs are not capable of enforcing or understanding the rules then they should not be reffing top level games until they are retrained and have proven themselves at a lower level.



And I do agree that the alleged racism row is the bigger issue, but that does not mean other issues should be just swept under the mat.

[Nicey]

Apparently, Referees official report says officially he heard no such word being used and he was closer to the player than Holgate.

[Chris]

Seems to be no way he can be charged but this is the FA so we'll see what happens. Will be interesting to see if Kenny who showed no reaction at the time is willing to lie for Holgate too. Wouldn't surprise me, we are their everything and getting Firmino a ban would be their Istanbul.

[Nicey]

The matter as far as Bobby is concerned should be done, The Referee was literally in earshot of Bobby, he was best positioned to hear it, he did not, officially, it did not happen, None of the players reacted, regardless of what they might say after the fact, I would be very surprised if one of his teammates would risk lying for him, Perhaps Holgate is indeed just a ****ing %$@ !

[McDermotX]

In any case, the court of fan justice will mete out the relevant admonishment to both players even if the whole thing is cleared up as a misunderstanding (best case).

Holgate will find himself on the sharp end from our fans in future derbies, whereas Bobby will have to put up with **** from every ground he goes to until the next controversy happens.

[Nicey]

Hopefull not ... how bloody unfair would that be ... He gets pushed into a the crowd .. quite right calls him a Son of Bitch !! then gets branded a racist

If everything is as it seems, the absolute best outcome in my eyes would be for Holgate to Publically apologise, in the heat of the moment etc etc .. Racism is a very important issue and we should all stand right behind it, etc etc ... Bobby could release similar statement with I would never say anything like that bla bla bla ... then something good could come out of this **** show

[Exiled_red]

Apparently, Referees official report says officially he heard no such word being used and he was closer to the player than Holgate.

Seems to be no way he can be charged but this is the FA so we'll see what happens. Will be interesting to see if Kenny who showed no reaction at the time is willing to lie for Holgate too. Wouldn't surprise me, we are their everything and getting Firmino a ban would be their Istanbul.

I would assume that this is the first stage, establishing what the ref did / didn't hear. Presumably the next stage would be to get statement from the other players involved/nearby (Lallana and Kenny possibly others). From what I read they hadn't taken a statement from Firmino after the game. Presumably they need to do that before closing the case

[Nicey]

I would be astonished if after all the evidence including the official referees report points to no racist word being used how they could proceed in any way.

[Exiled_red]

Hopefull not ... how bloody unfair would that be ... He gets pushed into a the crowd .. quite right calls him a Son of Bitch !! then gets branded a racist

If everything is as it seems, the absolute best outcome in my eyes would be for Holgate to Publically apologise, in the heat of the moment etc etc .. Racism is a very important issue and we should all stand right behind it, etc etc ... Bobby could release similar statement with I would never say anything like that bla bla bla ... then something good could come out of this **** show

I think if this happens I think both players and clubs should come out and explain the situation and encourage players who believe that they are being racially abused to speak out.