Holgate could face suspension over ‘homophobic tweets’

Everton defender Mason Holgate could be in trouble with the FA over alleged homophobic tweets sent from his Twitter account.

The tweets, sent in 2012 and 2013, were unearthed in the wake of Holgate’s clash with Roberto Firmino during last Friday’s Merseyside derby.

Holgate has since deleted his Twitter account but the tweets, which contained offensive language, have been reported to the FA disciplinary committee.

The Times now reports Holgate could face a misconduct charge and possible suspension.

Though Holgate was 15 when he sent the Tweets in question and they have only been brought to public attention now, that is unlikely to be any sort of defence in the eyes of the FA.

Watford striker Andre Gray, then at Burnley, was given a four-game ban in 2016 for offensive Tweets he posted in 2012.

The FA are already looking into claims Holgate was racially abused by Firmino at Anfield on Friday.

After being shoved into the advertising hoardings by Holgate, Firmino confronted the Toffees defender, who in turn reacted angrily to something the Brazilian said.

Referee Bobby Madley included the incident in his report and it is likely both players will be interviewed in the coming days to try and work out exactly what happened.