Sport | Football
Suarez apologises for snubbing Evra handshake
Liverpool criticises their player for the first time in protracted racism dispute
- AP
- Published: 12:54 February 13, 2012
London: Luis Suarez apologised on Sunday for refusing to shake hands with Patrice Evra, while Liverpool criticised their player for the first time in this protracted racism dispute that has tarnished the reputation of one of England's storied clubs.
Suarez, a national player for Uruguay, snubbed Evra before Saturday's Premier League game at Old Trafford. This was the players' first meeting since Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing the Manchester United defender in October.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who passionately defended Suarez during a post-match television interview, and the club's American owners also found themselves under fire. Critics contended this episode reignited the racial issues that have blighted English soccer this season.
However, Suarez, whose career has been filled with controversy, acknowledged he "made a mistake and I regret what happened".
"I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong," Suarez said in a statement released 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."
Dalglish also apologised Sunday for his confrontational manner during that interview in which he said critics were "bang out of order" for blaming Suarez for subsequent events in an ill-tempered game between England's two most successful clubs.
Players from both teams reportedly clashed outside the dressing room at half-time - requiring police intervention - while Evra whipped up home fans with exuberant post-match celebrations in front of Suarez.
Dalglish and Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre both said Suarez had misled everyone at the club. "I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do," Dalglish said.
In a separate statement, Ayre said the club was "extremely disappointed" and it is "absolutely clear" Suarez's behavior "was not acceptable".
United accepted the apologies of Suarez and Dalglish, saying: "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."
Multimedia
Sport Editor's choice
-
A Christian comment: France can flourish
World Cup-winner Karembeu predicts big things for his country
-
Japan in quarters of AFC Futsal championship
Thrash Tajikistan 6-1 at al wasl club to seal place in knockout
-
High-quality runners set for action
Field includes Smart-trained Group 1 winners Aziz, Harran and Areej
