Banned Liverpool star 'upset' by racism verdict

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish jumped to the defence of Luis Suarez after the striker received an eight-game ban for being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
 
Suarez was charged by the Football Association with abusing Evra and referring to his "ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race" in a disciplinary hearing last week.
 
Dalglish, though, has backed the Uruguay international since the incident took place on October 15, and continued to show staunch support after the verdict was handed down.
 
"Very disappointed with today's verdict. This is the time when (Luis Suarez) needs our full support. Let's not let him walk alone. KD," Dalglish said via Twitter.
 
Liverpool, meanwhile, issued a furious statement in support of their player, while Suarez himself said he was "upset" after receiving the news of his punishment, which will see him out of action until well into the New Year.
 
"I'm upset by the accusations of racism," Suarez tweeted. "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.
 
"Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I'll keep working!"

The news has not gone down well in Uruguay. When the verdict was announced and published on the website of El Pais, the country's leading newspaper, the comments section was full of remarks attacking the "hypocrisy" and "pseudo-moralism" of the English, according to the BBC.

The report tracing the history of Uruguay national teams stated it has an unrivalled record of giving opportunities to afro-descendants.

In the face of protests from their opponents, Uruguay picked black players in the first Copa America in 1916.

Probably the most revered figure in the history of Uruguayan football is Obdulio Varela, captain of the side that won the World Cup in 1950. His nickname was 'El Negro Jefe' - the black boss.

Among Suarez's team-mates these days is Maxi Pereira, who is known as 'El Mono' - the monkey. It is a nickname which, apparently, is given and accepted with no offence meant or taken. It appears to be used in the same spirit that Alvaro Fernandez is called 'El Flaco', which means skinny.

Meanwhile Suarez faces a separate FA charge of improper conduct over an alleged incident during a match with Fulham on December 5.

The FA ruling comes after the Crown Prosecution Service received more video evidence relating to the John Terry racism investigation.

Prosecutors are considering whether there is enough evidence to bring charges against the Chelsea footballer.

Terry has always denied making the alleged comments to the Queens Park Rangers' defender Anton Ferdinand during a match on October 23.

Suarez's ban comes at a time when he and Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt have so far topped the poll for Sportsman of the Year in Latin America and the Caribbean, conducted by the Cuban news agency, Prensa Latina.

Nicknamed 'El Pistolero' (The Gunslinger), Suarez has also been in good form for English Premiership giants Liverpool.

 

Chelsea swoop on Arsenal target Cahill

 

Arsenal plan loan move for Bridge

Liverpool question credibility of Evra's claim

 

Liverpool's Suarez hit with eight-match ban

 

 

Beckham to play for Paris St Germain