Everton defender Mason Holgate is under investigation from the FA over alleged homophobic tweets were unearthed after last Friday’s fiery and incident-filled FA Cup third-round defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.

The since-deleted tweets, which contained offensive language, were posted in 2012 and 2013 and have now been brought to the attention of the FA’s disciplinary department.

The FA have now launched an inquiry into the tweets. The inquiry occurs at the same time as the FA gathers evidence from Holgate’s allegation that he was racially abused by Roberto Firmino during the first half of Liverpool’s 2-1 win.

The Liverpool forward was furious after being shoved over the touchline hoardings by Holgate, with the FA reportedly delivering a verdict on those separate allegations this evening.