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Jurgen Klopp 'really proud' of Roberto Firmino for calmly handling racism claim

Roberto Firmino's name has been cleared this week - Action Images via Reuters
Roberto Firmino's name has been cleared this week - Action Images via Reuters

Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, says he would have found it tough to cope with the stress Roberto Firmino was under as the striker fought to clear his name of racism allegations.

Firmino was informed he would not be charged by the Football Association after a 47-day investigation into claims made by Everton defender Mason Holgate.

Klopp explained how Liverpool felt compelled to remain silent in order to respect the process, but were in no doubt from the first day on Jan 5 that Firmino was innocent.

“He knew he didn’t say it. We knew he didn’t say it. But we couldn’t say it in public,” said Klopp.

“I was never in doubt about it, but I only thought that if I am in a situation like that, which goes on for 47 days, and somebody thinks I said something, then it would be difficult for me to deal with it to be honest. That is why I said I am really proud of Roberto with how he dealt with it. Now it is done – all good.

In praise of Roberto Firmino
In praise of Roberto Firmino

“There were a few times we asked internally was there anything we could say or that we know already? And it was no. Nothing. It felt long and I was happy when I heard finally.

“We all take it really seriously, that’s not only a saying. Obviously in this world racism is something we really need to think about and be careful about, but if there is nothing we need to sort it as well. All good now, let’s carry on.”

The FA did not pursue the case, citing “insufficient evidence” after interviewing 12 players from either side, the match officials, linguistic experts and studying video footage.

Firmino’s form was not affected despite the shadow of the FA investigation. He has scored five goals in seven days since the Everton Cup tie.

“We were in talks with him, we spoke to him and we were all pretty sure,” said Klopp.

“I don’t think that every day it was in his mind because we were all sure that nothing can happen, actually. That is the situation.

“He is a pure footballer, he wants to play and work. For one session in Marbella I took him out and said, ‘thank you’ because he doesn’t rest so I have to do it. He is a footballer and he feels best when he is on the pitch, hopefully it stays like this.”

Everton manager Sam Allardyce urged defender Mason Holgate to refocus his attention on football after drawing a line under the controversy.

“I’m glad a conclusion has come to it,” said Allardyce.

“A thorough investigation has been held and a decision made, so it’s about moving forward now and not letting anything distract you. Mason will want to try to get back into the first team as quickly as possible.”