Jurgen Klopp has defended Harvey Elliott after the Liverpool teenager was contacted by the FA for picking up a flare after the EFL Cup final last Sunday.
But the German coach has admitted Elliott's actions were a "mistake" and has promised they will not be repeated in future.
After Liverpool's penalty shootout win against Chelsea, Elliott was seen holding a flare while celebrating his club's first domestic cup triumph in a decade.
The FA announced on Monday they had contacted the 18-year-old for his observations.
Elliott, who became the youngest player to represent Liverpool at Wembley, was elated after the win and Klopp understands why he made the "mistake".
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"Outside he's still a little bit more of a boy, but that's not a problem," said Klopp when asked about the incident at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
"He made a mistake, only because of the 'role model' role we have as people working in public. I understand 100 per cent [why it's not acceptable] and I will tell him.
"I can promise he will not do it again. Do I think it was the worst thing that ever happened in the world of football? No.
"But I understand 100 per cent why it's not OK, but in that moment - I got carried away and I'm nearly four times as old as he is - it can happen.
"Like I said, the best thing about making a mistake is 'don't do it again' and he will not do it again."
There is no inclination at this stage that Elliott will receive an FA punishment. It is also not clear how Elliott got hold of the flare at full-time.
The use of flares is a growing problem in the English game, as they can burn up to temperatures of 1600°C and contain dangerous chemicals.
Those who have asthma are particularly at risk from the smoke.
Flares are designed to be used for marine distress - by those at sea, for example - and not to be extinguished in compact spaces, such as football stadiums.
Elliott has made a superb start to his professional career, despite suffering a horrific ankle injury against Leeds in September, which ruled him out of action for five months.
He made his Premier League debut for Fulham aged 16 in May 2019, becoming the youngest player in the competition's 30-year history.
The Englishman joined Liverpool ahead of the following season and played eight times in all competitions as they won their first title in 30 years.
Elliott spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Blackburn Rovers, making 41 Championship appearances to capture Klopp's attention.
He's so far made eight appearances in all competitions this term, a figure that would be significantly higher if he hadn't suffered a serious injury at Elland Road.
Elliott is yet to earn his first senior cap for England but has represented his country at U15, U16 and U17 levels. Further international honours are expected in due course.
