Liverpool star Roberto Firmino forced off after wild swipe from Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghan scratches Brazilian’s eye
Some fans saying Vertonghen should face a 'lengthy ban' for swiping at Brazilian's face
LIVERPOOL star Roberto Firmino was forced off with an eye injury after a wild grab by Jan Vertonghen.
Some fans believe the Tottenham defender should even face a lengthy ban for what could be seen as a deliberate eye gouge.
As the ball was running out of play, the pair went shoulder-to-shoulder.
Vertonghen is knocked off balance and as he goes down appears to slap his hand into the face of the Brazilian.
Firmino seemed to get poked in the eye, needing treatment before being forced off.
The forward, who had scored the second goal of the game after another Michel Vorm error, was spotted walking off the pitch holding a piece of bandage to his eye.
He did not appear to be bleeding, however.
Firmino later said it was "just a scare."
He wrote on Instagram: "It was just a scare, my eye is ok and so am I.
"Thank you for all the support and see you soon."
Liverpool confirmed that Firmino had undergone examination at a London eye hospital but there would be no lasting damage.
It is not yet known whether Firmino will be fit to play against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday - although he has not yet been ruled out.
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Fans on social media believe Vertonghen deliberately gouged at the eyes of Firmino.
One wrote: "Vertonghen deserves a ban for that. Sneaky and dirty play."
Another said: "Disgusting from Vertonghen, should be a red and an eight match ban, we don't want this in the game."
One Liverpool fan wrote: "Another example why there were no English refs at the World Cup.
"Vertonghen, as usual, practised UFC, almost taking Firmino's eye out."
Another joked: "Will Firmino get a ban for hitting Vertonghen's arm with his eye?"