Liverpool fans have reacted with near unanimous disgust at reports that Roberto Firmino has been arrested on a charge of drink-driving.
The 25-year-old Brazilian was pulled over in the early hours of Christmas Eve, and will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court next month. His court appearance is currently scheduled for the same day as Chelsea's visit to Anfield.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said:
Merseyside Police has charged a 25-year-old man with drink driving after his car was stopped in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Saturday, December 24 2016.
Roberto Firmino, from Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on 31 January 2017.
Firmino is free to face Stoke on Tuesday, as well as participate in his side's crucial New Year's Eve visit of Manchester City to Anfield. Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, however, could choose to suspend the forward if they believe there is reason to do so.
Many Liverpool fans - the overwhelming majority of them in fact - were appalled by Firmino's charge and arrest, with a significant portion calling for Klopp to follow his example with Mamadhou Sakho and, at the very least, drop Firmino temporarily.
Roberto Firmino charged with drink driving. Get a taxi. Complete idiot.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) December 26, 2016
Firmino is a right idiot for that, no excuses
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) December 26, 2016
Firmino charged with drink driving. What a moron
— bateson87 (@bateson87) December 26, 2016
@AnfieldHQ #LFC Well this is certainly worse than anything Sakho has ever done so will see if he is treated the same way 🤔
— Mark (@Marklfc10Mark) December 26, 2016
@_WL05_ @LivEchonews Prick, got no sympathy for him, and I'm a reds supporter..#fool #idiot #irresponsible
— The peoples poet. (@PoetSte) December 26, 2016
@LivEchonews I love him but that was just STUPID! Don't drink & drive.
— Josie (@Josyrodo) December 26, 2016
@LivEchonews absolute idiot. No excuse. Drink drivers are low life. Very disappointing to hear from Liverpool player #Lfc
— Puresportsdoc (@burdon_mike) December 26, 2016
Could Firmino be dropped for the Stoke game tomorrow? Klopp doesn't take any shit when it comes to attitude.
— LFC NEWS (@LFCTransferNRS) December 26, 2016
Firmino has six goals and three assists in his 18 appearances across all competitions this season, though his form has dipped during Liverpool's last five fixtures.
However, with Philippe Coutinho injured and Sadio Mané set to travel for the African Nations Cup next month, any potential suspension imposed by the club on their Brazilian forward would certainly limit his manager's options in the final third.
French defender Mamadou Sakho hasn't featured for Klopp's side since a 4-0 Merseyside derby victory over Everton following suspension, injuries and a falling out with his manager during pre-season.
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