We’ve all seen the events at Saturday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool and there’s no hiding behind the fact it was an ugly affair and the Reds and Luis Suarez have apologised for it all but surely it’s time for the Reds to take responsibility.
There had been talk prior to the game that both parties wanted to put the Patrice Evra-Suarez race row behind them and move on. It would’ve been the mature thing to do.
But Suarez did just the opposite, shunting Evra’s hand at the traditional pre-game handshakes. It was an immature act which ultimately sparked the action.
And the events which followed were ugly too, with Suarez copping a berating from the Old Trafford faithful, while at times tempers flared. Evra’s post-game celebrations were too, over-the-top, and potentially inflamatory.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was furious with Suarez, his opposite number Kenny Dalglish didn’t defend him, but certainly played down all the drama. That too was immature.
However, finally the Reds have come out and said sorry with Suarez making an apology.
“I have spoken with the manager (Kenny Dalglish) since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong,” Suarez said on Liverpool’s official website.
“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.”
But is it too little, too late. Liverpool chiefs are fuming behind the scenes. They say prior to the game Suarez had guaranteed he’d shake Evra’s hand.
Reds managing director Ian Ayre said: “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.
“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 that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club.”
In many ways, Liverpool’s stance should help ease the tension and a line can be drawn under this whole ugly affair. The club clearly want it over and done with, as its image has taken a battering from it all.
Ferguson said Suarez should never play for the club again following the act. That probably won’t be the case, given Ayre’s comments, but for a man who had his issues in the Netherlands, he’s walking on very thin ice.
It might be the end of this whole saga, but for Suarez, he needs to learn something from this to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Liverpool, too, might need to learn to take responsibility a little earlier.