Luis Suarez and Kenny Dalglish apologise over handshake row

Luis Suarez and Kenny Dalglish apologise over handshake row

 Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish have apologised after Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra's hand before Saturday's match.

 "I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong," Suarez said in a club statement. 

 Dalglish reacted angrily to questions about the incident after the game.
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Tensions run high as Evra celebrates victory

 "All of us have a responsibility to represent this club in a fit and proper manner," he said on Sunday. 

 "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."

 United released a statement which read: "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."

 Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Evra during the Premier League encounter at Anfield in October.

 His refusal to shake Evra's hand on Saturday contributed to an ill-tempered game which United won 2-1.
Ian Ayre, Liverpool managing director

 "Luis Suarez 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 Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable"

 Evra appeared to taunt Suarez, who scored a late consolation goal, by celebrating next to him at the end of the match.

 Suarez said: "I have not only let him [Dalglish] 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."

 Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre released a statement which read: 
"We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez 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 Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable.
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Hansen and Shearer on Suarez

 "Luis Suarez 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 he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club."

 Dalgish added: "Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford.

 "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."

 After the incident, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson called Suarez "a disgrace" and suggested he should never play for Liverpool again, while Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor described Suarez's conduct as "disrespectful, inappropriate and embarrassing".

 Meanwhile, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson told Sky Sports News: "There is an issue that still needs to be tackled.

 "It goes beyond racism, you hear vile chanting about managers and opposition players.

 "I don't think that really has any place in modern society. If we don't accept on the high street, I see no reason why we should accept it in a football crowd."

Posted: at 12-02-2012 11:34 PM (12 years ago) | Newbie