Suarez 'upset' by racism claims

Published Oct. 16, 2011 3:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

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.