Stan Collymore: 'Give Roberto Firmino 10-match ban if guilty of racism'

Stan Collymore has stressed that Roberto Firmino should be hit with a 10-match ban if found guilty of racially abusing Mason Holgate.

The Liverpool forward was involved in a spat with the Everton defender during Friday's FA Cup third-round clash at Anfield, which finished 2-1 to the Reds.

After being pushed into the crowd, Firmino reacted by running towards Holgate before the referee stepped in front of the latter, who then appeared to react to something said by the Brazilian.

The Football Association is now investigating the incident after an allegation was made towards Firmino accusing him of using racist language towards Holgate.

"Everyone knows my stance on racism — that any player or manager found guilty of it should have the book thrown at them," former Reds striker Collymore told The Mirror.

"We will now have to wait for referee Robert Madley's report into the incident between Firmino and Holgate before we can draw any conclusions on it.

"Firmino is, of course, innocent until proven guilty. If he is found guilty then a 10-game ban, a ­serious talking-to and compulsory attendance on a racism education course has to be meted out. And, if not, then of course there is no case to answer.

"Whatever the outcome, though, I hope this finally moves the ­governing bodies to get their acts together on these issues and make things clear once and for all."

Liverpool take on Manchester City next Sunday after returning from a training camp in Dubai.