A Slew of Statements: Suarez and Dalglish Apologize

Saturday's fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United began on a disappointing note, with the drama between Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Man United defender Patrice Evra escalating after Suarez snubbed Evra during the traditional pre-match handshakes, though both players had seemingly agreed with their respective managers to clear the air and move on. An additional clash in the tunnel at half-time only added fuel to the fire.

If the incidences during the match weren't enough, the resulting comments from key figures at both clubs certainly sent PR into a frenzy.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson raised the bar, calling Suarez "a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club.  He should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again."

In a post-match interview, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish reacted angrily when posed a question on the subject, saying it was "bang out of order" to blame Suarez. Dalglish skipped out on his customary post-match press conference, telling Sky Sports "I never knew Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand. I wasn’t there, I never saw it. It’s contrary to what I’ve been told."

Daglish's refusal to comment and Fergie's insistence that Suarez should be sacked for acting in such a way only left an even worse aftertaste as pundits weighed in on the scandal.

BBC's Steve Claridge said, "I'm with Sir Alex here. It was a poor way to behave and he [Suarez] has made himself out to be a villain…To shake someone's hand before a game is to wipe the slate clean. To not do that is not acceptable behaviour." John Scales, a former Liverpool defender told BBC Radio, "It's incredibly disappointing. We all expected a handshake – Sir Alex Ferguson did, Kenny Dalglish did – and it took everyone by shock," and went onto condemn Evra's celebration antics as well, saying it was "overdone."

Liverpool’s owners stepped in quickly enough, however.

Sunday saw statements issued by Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre, Luis Suarez, and Kenny Dalglish.

Ayre expressed the club’s disappointment in Suarez’s actions, which the club had no previous knowledge of.  "He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra," Ayre said, "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... 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."

Dalglish commented, saying that Suarez apologizing was the right thing to do and that "all of us have a responsibility to represent this Club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager. When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologise for that."

Suarez said via yet another statement: "I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong. 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." 

The trio of statements affirms Liverpool's staunch ideals that no one is above the club, nor his manager and certainly not the club's owners, who realize the importance of the club's global image.

Manchester United released a statement in due course, accepting all apologies and 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."

Petty actions and media scrutiny hindered what is usually a great display of football, leaving us all hoping LFC's handle on the situation will last. We can only hope this slew of statements will put an end to the issue and allow us all to breathe a sigh of relief we’ve been holding since the events of Saturday's clash. 

Written by Yasmien Mizyed