101 replies to this topic

[Sven]

While I'll admit Evra's actions weren't the wisest given the atmosphere surrounding the game, they were certainly understandable for a man who has been victimised for reporting a racist remark which Suarez himself admitted took place. He is hardly on the same level as Suarez for these actions, however as Mark has pointed out, and as much of the media seems to forget, Evra made a remark to Suarez that wasn't exactly cordial during their altercation in October, which could be the source of genuine anger.

However Suarez should have shaken his hand, regardless of the feelings he holds and his conduct during the game was appalling at times. A handshake could have underlined the whole saga, but instead it goes on.

Dalglish's post match comments were utterly disgraceful and I'm glad that the boardroom at Anfield has finally taken control of the situation. Ferguson should have shown restraint in his own interview, but there's no denying this whole sorry affair has damaged Liverpool's reputation.

It's easy to take the moral high ground when it is one of your own players who has been racially abused, but my position would be no less different if it was a Manchester United player accused of racism. Such issues should transcend tribal loyalties, and the attempts to justify Suarez's comments and actions have left me mystified. As I've said in the other thread, I don't think Suarez is a genuine racist, but the eight match ban was completely justified.

[Bazza`]

Well said Sven, I do think the fact that it happened between United and Liverpool has sort of clouded things - it's really got nothing to do with rivalry it was just about racism in our game. I mean Evra himself even came out and publicly said he didn't think Suarez was a racist (it could have been easy for Evra to say something more damning especially as he was constantly having his character slurred by Liverpool and Dalglish) and yet he still couldn't shake his hand? it's understandable to get frustrated I think. I'm just glad that Liverpool, Dalglish and Suazrez have all apologized and that United have accepted that apology.

I really think it's important that all of this is ended now because as we have seen by whats happened in grounds recently, and increasingly on twitter, when something like this is all over the media it is something that rears it's ugly head more and more commonly.

I also can't believe that an 8 game is seen as harsh by some people, it most certainly isn't harsh and I'm more than sure it's no "unprecedented". It's just not something that is at all acceptable in our game.

Edited by Bazza`, 13 February 2012 - 05:03 PM.