The controversial striker was hauled over the coals by managing director Ian Ayre and manager Kenny Dalglish on Sunday after he pointedly snubbed Manchester United defender Evra in the pre-match ceremony at Old Trafford.
Flashpoint: Luis Suarez refuses to shake the hand of Patrice Evra
United issued a statement accepting the gestures.
Having assured Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli last Wednesday that he would shake Evra’s hand, Suarez dismayed Liverpool when he ignored the Frenchman, whom he was found guilty of racially abusing last October.
Ayre said: ‘We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra. He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand.’
Joy unconfined: Evra celebrated wildly in front of Suarez at the final whistle
Dalglish has been steadfastly supportive of Suarez ever since the initial allegation of racism was made by Evra on October 15 but he did not attempt to defend the former Ajax striker. Sir Alex Ferguson described him as a ‘disgrace’ and said he ‘should never play for Liverpool again’.
Dalglish said: ‘I was shocked to hear the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do. All of us have a responsibility to represent this club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me. I did not conduct myself in a way befitting a Liverpool manager during that interview. I’d like to apologise.’
Conduct: Kenny Dalglish apologised for his controversial post-match comments
PFA chief Gordon Taylor revealed that his attempts to mediate in the matter had been rebuffed by Liverpool and encouraged the FA to step in.
Taylor said: ‘The FA must get around the table with the clubs because we are getting into a state of anarchy. If he [Suarez] is going to ignore a decision, he needs to be disciplined or we are going to have the tail wagging the dog.
‘Kenny has been supportive of Suarez but to some extent that has encouraged what has happened.’
