The English FA are set to investigate a comment made during Arsenal’s victory over Liverpool on Sunday. Players from both sides were embroiled in a bust-up late in the game and referee Michael Oliver went to inform both managers of the alleged incident.

The investigation come on the back persistent racist incidents in English Premier League targeting Black players. EPL has consequently waged a spirited campaign to weed out the vice as an increasing number of Blacks are signed by virtually all clubs in the premier league and lower divisions.

Tensions and emotions ran high at the Emirates as the pendulum swung back and forth between the two Premier League heavyweights. Arsenal struck the first blow within a minute as Gabriel Martinelli raced in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold before slotting home.

The razor sharp Dawin Nunez tapped in midway through the first half but Bukayo Saka notched the first of his two goals before the interval. There was more drama after the break as Roberto Firmino drew Liverpool level but there was to be one last twist in the tale.

A contentious penalty in the last 15 minutes was scored by Saka to wrap up a 3-2 win, but only after a squabble between multiple players from both sides.

With angry words exchanged, referee Oliver hurried over to the touchline where he informed both Arteta and his Liverpool counterpart, Jurgen Klopp, that a player is alleged to have said something noteworthy to an opponent.

More talks were held between Arteta, Klopp and Oliver after the final whistle with the issue ultimately handed over to the Football Association. It remains to be seen whether further action will be taken with a full-scale investigation one of the options on the table.

When addressing media after the game, Klopp refused to answer a question on why the referee approached him, explaining ‘I think I am not allowed’. Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones said: “The matter that Jurgen Klopp was asked about by Geoff Shreeves in his interview… What we understand is that something has been said on the field.

“The referee, Michael Oliver, has come over to speak to the managers and what we’re being told is that matter has been referred to the Football Association and any further comment will come from them.”

An FA spokesperson said, “We are aware of an incident that took place during the match between Arsenal and Liverpool. We are in dialogue with the match officials and will review the details of the incident.”

On the game itself, Klopp added, “The early goal was the opposite of everything we wanted. It was the worst possible thing that could happen. We should have defended better. We deserved the equaliser. 1-1 at half-time was okay, but we got counter-attacked. We had to do the good stuff again and that is what we didn’t do in the second half.

“We should have sorted it before the penalty. We didn’t do that. If it’s a penalty, it’s very, very soft. [Darren] England didn’t think it was worth sending the referee to the screen, same in the first half with Diogo [Jota] on Gabriel. We can’t change that anymore. Two massive injury blows for us. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Luis. Luis Diaz – something with the knee, not good.”

• An Express report