Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp "really proud" of Roberto Firmino for way he handled racism storm

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 23 February 2018

Jurgen Klopp says that he is "really proud" of the way Roberto Firmino handled accusations that he racially abused an opponent, having escaped any FA action this week.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his pride at the manner in which Roberto Firmino dealt with being accused of making a racist comment.

The 26-year-old was informed on Wednesday that he faces no further action from the Football Association due to a lack of evidence supporting accusations that he verbally abused Everton defender Mason Holgate in January's FA Cup tie.

Firmino has faced an anxious wait to learn whether he would be punished and, having now been given the news that he was after, Klopp hopes that the Brazilian forward can get back to doing his talking with his feet.

"It was a long time and I am really proud of how he dealt with it," he told reporters ahead of Saturday's home match against West Ham United. "We were sure from the first second that there is nothing to be afraid about from his side.

"So, I'm happy that it is confirmed now. It is a very important subject. Racism is obviously still in this world something we need to think about and we need to be careful with. But if there is nothing, then we need to sort it as well. All good now, let's carry on."

Firmino, who has played a direct part in 28 goals across Liverpool's 33 Premier League and Champions League matches this term, is expected to start the Reds' meeting with West Ham this weekend.