Roberto Firmino will not face any action over his clash with Mason Holgate.
The pair became embroiled in an ugly spat during the first half of Liverpool’s FA Cup third round win over Everton at the beginning of last month.
Holgate pushed the Reds striker into advertising hoardings, sending him tumbling into the crowd, which prompted a heated exchange of words.
TV footage showed Firmino insulting Holgate in Portuguese but the Blues defender alleged that the Brazilian also used a ‘discriminatory term’.
Up to 12 players and officials from both teams as well as referee Bobby Madley were interviewed as part of the Football Association’s investigation.
However English football’s governing body confirmed on Wednesday that they are not pursuing any disciplinary action against the Reds forward.
“We are completely satisfied that the allegation was made in absolute good faith by Holgate and that there is no suggestion of this being an intentionally false or malicious allegation,” an FA statement confirmed.
“We appreciate that this has been a difficult process for both parties, and would like to express our thanks to Mason Holgate and Roberto Firmino as well as both clubs for their assistance, professionalism and full co-operation during this investigation.”
Firmino responded the FA’s ruling by reaffirming his innocence surrounding the incident on January 5.
He said: “As someone who has experienced racist abuse during my life, I know how damaging and hurtful it can be.
“I would like to place on record, for the avoidance of any doubt, I did not say the word, or a variation of the word, that was claimed and subsequently reported in the media.
“I did not use any language that referenced race. I did not – and would never – reference a person’s skin colour or culture, by means of insult, during a dispute or an argument.”
Liverpool also issued a statement, welcoming the ruling after a ‘thorough and robust’ investigation.
“Both the club and player were in full agreement from the beginning that if an investigation was required it should be a thorough and robust one,” read a club statement.
“Roberto has co-operated fully with the process and shown a willingness to engage and assist throughout, with the only objective being to discover the truth of what happened.
“We are satisfied that the outcome of the process has exonerated the player of using any racist or discriminatory language.”
Everton responded to the FA ruling, saying: The club welcomes the FA’s expression of complete satisfaction that the allegation made by our player, Mason Holgate, was done so in absolute good faith, that proper process was followed and that there is no suggestion of malice or dishonesty on Mason’s part.
“The club also welcomes the FA’s commitment to continue to treat all allegations of a discriminatory nature with extreme seriousness.
“In challenging circumstances, the FA has reached its determination and, as a club, we accept this.”