Suarez ‘upset’ by racism claims

The claim followed Saturday’s match between the teams on

Merseyside, and the Football Association have pledged to

investigate. Evra was reported to have told media in his native

France that Suarez directed racist insults at him during the 1-1

draw. Suarez wrote on his official Facebook page: “I’m upset by the

acusations [sic] of racism. I can only say that I have always

respected and respect everybody. We are all the same. I go to the

field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what

he does, not to create conflicts.” Evra made his claim to French

television station Canal Plus, saying: “There are cameras. You can

see him saying a certain word to me at least 10 times. There is no

place for that in 2011.” Evra said Marriner was “aware of what has

been said”. The FA have confirmed they are examining the allegation

after referee Andre Marriner was informed. A statement from the FA

on Saturday night said: “Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of

an allegation at the end of the fixture and subsequently reported

this to the FA. “The FA will now begin making enquiries into the

matter.” A Liverpool spokesman said Uruguay international Suarez

“categorically denied” the allegation, reflecting his own stance

today. The claim from Evra comes as the anti-discrimination body

Kick It Out promotes its ‘weeks of action’, which began on Thursday

and run through to October 31. Liverpool’s home Premier League

match against Norwich next Saturday will support Kick It Out’s ‘One

Game, One Community’ campaign.