Kenny Dalglish insists that both Liverpool and Man Utd must draw a line under the Suarez-Evra clash ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game at Old Trafford.
The issue of racism in sport has enveloped the former England captain which in turn has led to the resignation of the England manager just yesterday. Only yesterday a Man Utd fan was banned from football grounds for three years after being found guilty of racially abusing Stoke’s Kenwyne Jones with obscene racist language and monkey noises at Old Trafford.
Dalglish insists it is time for both men to shake hands and both clubs to look forward.
“Everyone involved, including the media, the supporters and both teams have a responsibility to ensure this weekend is remembered as a cracking game of football between two very good sides, rather than for anything else.
“I thought everyone involved in the FA Cup tie at Anfield played their part in making sure that the match was played in the right way, so let’s make sure that happens again this weekend.
“I’m sure people will want to talk about Luis Suarez, but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned against Spurs on Monday. It’s time for all of us to draw a line under what happened and move forward.
“People are already speculating on the pre-match ceremony, but from Luis’s point of view we have spoken to him and I know he will shake the hand of Patrice Evra and the other Manchester United players before the game.”
Luis Suarez has not started a game for the reds since December, and had a brief spell on the field on Monday night’s game against Spurs. Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Saturday – kick off at 12:45pm.
Jose Enrique could be a doubt for the reds, whilst Fabio Aurelio successfully negotiated 90 minutes in a reserve game earlier this week.
Put this issue behind us, Luis will hopefully have them silenced by putting the ball in the ManU net.
FC