Suarez sorry for Evra snub

Liverpool's Luis Suarez has apologised for refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand in Saturday's Premier League match with Manchester United.

The Uruguayan was heavily criticised for failing to shake the United captain's hand prior to the match which the Red Devils won 2-1.

It was Suarez's second match back for Liverpool following his eight-game ban for racially abusing Evra in the reverse tie at Anfield last October.

The Frenchman had offered his hand to Suarez, who appeared to ignore the defender and instead shook the hand of United goalkeeper David De Gea.

Evra proceeded to grab his opponents arm and try to pull him back, however the South American did not look back and carried on along the line.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez a disgrace to Liverpool and said he should never be allowed to play for the club again.

But Suarez was apologetic after his actions sparked widespread condemnation.

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

Sumber : Soccerway

Ferguson lambasts Suarez conduct

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims Luis Suarez should never play for Liverpool again after refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand.

A brace from Wayne Rooney, before a late consolation from Suarez, handed United a 2-1 victory in a match that was overshadowed by the tension between Suarez and Evra at Old Trafford.

Suarez was fined and banned for eight matches after allegedly racially abusing the United left-back in October, and the Uruguayan refused to shake Evra's hand in the customary pre-match exchange on Saturday.

"I couldn't believe it," Ferguson told Sky Sports after the match. "I just could not believe it."

"I had a chat with Patrice this morning and he said 'I'm going to shake his hand. I've got nothing to be ashamed of and I want to keep my dignity.' And then he (Suarez) refuses - he's a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club."

"That certain player should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again. With the history that club has got, and he does that in this city today - he could have caused a riot."

"I was really disappointed in that guy. It was terrible what he did. It created a tension - you've seen the referee, he didn't know what to do about it."

"It caught him off-guard, and it was a terrible start to the game. There was a terrible atmosphere created."

A scuffle reportedly broke out between both sets of players outside the dressing rooms during the half-time interval, with police intervention required.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said he was unaware Suarez had declined to shake Evra's hand.

"I never knew he never shook his hand," the Scot told Sky Sports.

"I'll take your word for it, but I don't know. I wasn't there. I never saw it. That is contrary to what I was told."

Dalglish, whose side conceded twice in four minutes earlier in the second half, said it was wrong to hold Suarez responsible for what transpired in Manchester.

"I think you are very severe and are bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened here today," he said.

Sumber : Soccerway

Suarez reignites Evra row as angry United skipper grabs striker after handshake snub

Patrice Evra was left fuming after race-row rival Luis Suarez dramatically snubbed him in a pre-match handshake as the pair went face-to-face for the first time since their controversial fallout at Old Trafford.

The pair became bitter enemies following their controversial clash at Anfield last October when Suarez was later found guilty of racially abusing the Frenchman and forced to serve an eight-ban ban.

Suarez - who was selected to start by manager Kenny Dalglish - has refused to directly apologise to the United defender since.The striker appeared to be in no mood to accommodate the stand-in United captain in a tense pre-match showdown.

The Frenchman offered his hand to the Uruguay international, who was banned for eight matches for racially abusing the defender, but he bypassed the Frenchman and went straight to goalkeeper David de Gea.

Angered, Evra pulled his foe back, dragging him by the arm and exchanged angry words.

Rio Ferdinand then avoided Suarez before the match got underway.

Suarez attempted to drowned out the boo-boys when he arrived at Old Trafford wearing headphones.
The Uruguayan was one of the last player's to step off the Liverpool team-bus but kept his head down as he followed the rest of the quad towards the away dressing room.

But there was no hiding place as he emerged from the tunnel and entered a cauldron of hate with the angry United supporters reminding him of his public enemy No 1 status in Stretford.

His first touches were met with vociferous jeers from the home faithful with Evra booed in response from the away fans.

It is understood that there were clashes in the tunnel between players from both sides at half-time with police and stewards involved.

Evra's Manchester United team-mate Darren Fletcher praised the Frenchman for being 'the bigger man' over the handshakes.

'I think what went on before the game has added that extra bit of spice to it, not that it needed it,' said Fletcher.

'Credit to Patrice Evra, I think he's come out, he's the bigger man. He's gone to shake his hand and obviously Suarez has rejected it.'

Former United full-back Gary Neville added: 'Obviously it's quite clear that Luis Suarez has completely blanked Patrice Evra.

'I'm not sure it's the wisest thing for him to do, I'm not sure he's helped his football club, I think that (Liverpool manager) Kenny Dalglish is now put in a position after the game where he's going to have to defend him again.'

Former Liverpool midfielder and Sportsmail columnist Jamie Redknapp said of the incident: 'I don't know why they had the handshakes, this was always going to happen today.

'They should have just taken it out of the equation.'

Sumber : Dailymail