Suarez and Dalglish sorry over non-handshake

Controversial Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and his club manager Kenny Dalglish have both apologised for their actions during Saturday’s spiteful encounter against archrivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Uruguayan international, in his first start since serving an eight-man suspension for racially abusing Man Utd defender Patrice Evra refused to shake the hand of the Red Devils captain in the traditional pre-game handshake.

That action sent off tensions around the ground and saw the teams clash in the tunnel in the interval and saw Evra celebrate with the home fans right in front of Suarez.

“I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong,” Suarez said in a statement which appeared on the club’s official website.

“I’ve not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I’m sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.”

“I should have shaken Patrice Evra’s hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions. I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football.”

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre was another to join in the chorus as he also strongly condemned Suarez actions and criticised the former Ajax Amsterdam captain off not shaking Evra’s hand.

“We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday’s game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so,” Ayre said in an official statement.

“He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his teammates and the club. It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable.”

“Luis Suarez has now apologised for his actions which was the right thing to do. However, all of us have a duty to behave in a responsible manner and we hope that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club.”

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish joined his managing director by also blasting Suarez actions and the Scotsman also apologised following his after match interview which he angrily denied that the incident before the match set the tempo for an ill-tempered encounter.

“Ian Ayre has made the club’s position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford,” exclaimed Dalglish. “To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do.”

“But as Ian said earlier, all of us have a responsibility to represent this club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager.”

“When I went on TV after yesterday’s game I hadn’t seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I’d like to apologise for that.”

Manchester United accepted Liverpool’s apology as they released a statement which read: “Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday’s game.”

“Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football. That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs.”