MANCHESTER UNITED have accepted an apology from Liverpool striker Luis Suarez over the Uruguayan’s decision not to shake the hand of United captain Patrice Evra before yesterday’s Premier League clash between the sides.
In a statement published on Liverpool’s club website, Suarez said he had spoken with club manager Kenny Dalglish and “realise I had got things wrong”.
“I’ve not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for, and I’m sorry,” Suarez said.
“I should have shaken Patrice Evra’s hand and I want to apologise for my actions.”
Responding themselves, United thanked Liverpool for the apology, 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.”
The game between the sides marked Suarez’s first Premier League start since he picked up an eight-game ban for using racist language against Evra during their last Premier League clash on October 15.
Suarez has denied he has racist, and claimed the dispute was a contextual one.
In a separate statement, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said the club was “extremely disappointed” at Suarez’s refusal to shake Evra’s hand, pointing out that Suarez had previously committed to doing 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 teammates 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.”
Suarez himself said he wished to “put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football”.
The Old Trafford clash had all the usual tension of a match between the rivals, and Evra celebrated United’s ultimate 2-1 by encouraging fans at the stadium’s Stretford End – running directly in front of the Uruguayan striker, who scored Liverpool’s goal, to do so.
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After yesterday’s game, Dalglish told Sky Sports reporters he was not aware of Suarez’s refusal to shake his hand, but criticised those who said the pre-match incident had set the tone for yesterday’s tough match.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game that Suarez had been “a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club” and said he felt Suarez should not be allowed to represent the club in future.
Ferguson also acknowledged that Evra “didn’t need” to celebrate directly in front of Suarez.
