SOCCER: LIVERPOOL HAVE accused Luis Suárez of misleading the club, the striker has apologised for not shaking Patrice Evra's hand and Kenny Dalglish has described his television interview with Sky as not befitting the conduct of a Liverpool manager as Anfield issued an unequivocally contrite response to the condemnation that followed their performance at Old Trafford.
Both Suárez and Dalglish have been widely criticised for Saturday’s events surrounding the defeat against Manchester United, when Alex Ferguson branded the Uruguay international “a disgrace” to Liverpool and claimed the he should never play for the club again, having declined the hand of the man he racially abused at Anfield last October.
Dalglish vigorously defended Suárez to Sky television immediately after the game and attracted further criticism for the club as a consequence. His position, however, has changed dramatically having reviewed what occurred between the players before kick-off and Liverpool officials are incensed by Suárez’ actions, with the club’s managing director, Ian Ayre, on Sunday delivering their first condemnation of the striker since the controversy erupted.
Yesterday the striker issued an apology via the club’s website. It read: “I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong. I’ve not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I’m sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened. I should have shaken Patrice Evra’s hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions. I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football.”
That was followed by criticism of Suárez from Liverpool’s managing director, who has admitted the striker lied to the club over his intentions to shake Evra’s hand.
Ayre said: “We are extremely disappointed Luis Suárez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday’s game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so. He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team-mates and the club. It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suárez that his behaviour was not acceptable.
“Luis Suárez has now apologised for his actions which was the right thing to do. However, all of us have a duty to behave in a responsible manner and we hope that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club.”
Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, are believed to have been closely involved in the club’s reaction to Saturday’s events and Dalglish has also apologised for his angry reaction to legitimate questions by Sky’s Geoff Shreeves.
“Ian Ayre has made the club’s position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suárez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford,” said Dalglish.
“To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do. But as Ian said earlier, all of us have a responsibility to represent this club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager. When I went on TV after yesterday’s game I hadn’t seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I’d like to apologise for that.”
Manchester United accepted their rivals’ apology: “Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday’s game. Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football. That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs.”
Guardian Service
