Liverpool striker Luis Suarez released an apology today (12 February 2012) after refusing to shake Manchester United defender Patrice Evra's hand before the game between the two sides yesterday. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done.
Patrice Evra, a victim of Suarez's racism, was willing to shake hands before that game, to draw a line under an unpleasant saga. Suarez elected to drag it out. The failure of manager Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool FC to immediately call him out was extremely damaging to their reputations as well.
Drawing Suarez-Evra To An End
Liverpool and Manchester United are not going to play again this season, and that is definitely a good thing. There is always extra spice when these two historic rivals face, but it will undoubtedly still be a little bit more intense if Suarez and Evra take the field next season. However, there are clear signs that all parties want this to be over as an issue. It is hard to imagine Suarez or Evra stepping out of line after Saturday's events.
Should Liverpool Sell Suarez?
Alex Ferguson isn't the easiest man to agree with at the best of times, but his comments suggesting that Liverpool should sell Suarez after the game were at least somewhat understandable, even if they may have had more selfish roots. Liverpool are not likely to sell the superbly talented Suarez, who should play a role in the rejuvenation of their football club. However, it is pretty clear that the team needs to bring him into line, and that he is a loose cannon, who will need some looking after in the future. On the plus side, Dalglish is not a manager who suffers 'problem' players happily.
Racism In Football
The bigger issue, which is dominating football in general at the moment, is racism. There are far too many documented accounts of racism being used in football and it is a problem that the FA must tackle. The ban to Suarez was a good start, but fines to clubs and managers are also clearly needed. Racism has been a big issue this season because it is clearly rife in football right now, and it must be addressed immediately.
The recent incident relating to John Terry and Fabio Capello has already proven just how damaging racism can be in terms of disrupting a team, but it is also a serious problem worldwide, which a game like football should be aiming to be an ambassador against.
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