Report: FA to investigate whether Firmino racially abused Holgate

The Football Association will investigate allegations that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino racially abused Everton defender Mason Holgate during a heated exchange in the Merseyside derby Friday, according to The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe.

An investigation is expected to follow the submission of referee Bobby Madley's match report, which will outline his account of the confrontation between the two players in the first half of Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Everton.

After the match, Liverpool released a statement, courtesy of Oliver Kay of the Times, saying that the club will assist the FA if it elects to investigate the incident.

"The club and player will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the facts are established in a thorough manner if deemed necessary or requested. While that process is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment."

The incident occurred after Holgate shoved Firmino into the stands, triggering an angry reaction from the Brazilian forward while Madley attempted to separate them.

Holgate stood silent during Firmino's irate rant before seemingly becoming enraged over an apparent racist remark directed at him by the Liverpool forward.

It's believed that Madley then made note of the interaction with the fourth official, John Moss.

The incident unfolded just over a week after Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster opened up about the racial abuse he's received over the year during an interview with the Guardian's Daniel Taylor. The 17-year-old was the victim of racial abuse on two occasions against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Youth League. UEFA later charged Spartak Moscow's Leonid Mironov with racist behaviour.