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.