Here is an extract from the official report:
"The FA's case, in short, was as follows. In the goalmouth, Mr Evra and Mr Suarez spoke to each other in Spanish. Mr Evra asked Mr Suarez why he had kicked him, referring to the foul five minutes previously. Mr Suarez replied "Porque tu eres negro", meaning "Because you are black". Mr Evra then said to Mr Suarez “say it to me again, I’m going to punch you”. Mr Suarez replied "No hablo con los negros", meaning "I don't speak to blacks".
Mr Evra continued by saying that he now thought he was going to punch Mr Suarez.
Mr Suarez replied "Dale, negro, negro, negro", which meant "okay, blackie, blackie, blackie".
As Mr Suarez said this, he reached out to touch Mr Evra's arm, gesturing at his skin.
Mr Kuyt then intervened. When the referee blew his whistle and called the players over to him shortly after the exchanges in the goalmouth, Mr Evra said to the referee "ref, ref, he just called me a fucking black".
If I were Liverpool FC, I would be very careful about appealing this as their view of events show that the FA are clearly set against Luis Suarez in this case and Luis hasn't a hope of winning an appeal if this is how the FA see it.
Don't appeal it Suarez, the FA are out to make an example of you, they will not budge, accept the suspension and come back to us in February when we need you.
Happy New Year fans & others, lets hope its a good one...
The *full* FA report should be read - it doesn't actually offer much *material* support for its own summary (which was clearly written with headlines in mind). The claims of Suarez's "inconsistency" and "unreliability" are subjective - not supported by the video evidence (contrary to the misleading statement in the summary).
ReplyDeleteThe report also states that Evra taunted Suarez with "sister's pussy" remark and threats of physical violence (punching) - all before Suarez responded. This is by Evra's own admission! Also some bizarre and dubious inconsistencies in report itself. Read it! I think there's much to appeal.
Good comment Bruce, I will read more of the report and hope that we have a valid case for appeal.
ReplyDeletenegro pukima,,,
ReplyDeleteHi John, While I share your dismay at the severity of the punishment and at the inconsistent standards of the report, at the end of the day, Suárez shouldn't have opened his mouth in the first place.
ReplyDeleteHe deserves a suspension - maybe not 8 matches, but still - and a fine. You have to draw a line somewhere, and "cultural differences" is no excuse. I'm old enough to remember the treatment John Barnes got. Are you? Patrice Evra is an extremely unpleasant individual, but Suárez should not have said what he did. I have read the report. I have written about the report - objectively. I have also used my own name. How many others, apart from perhaps yourself, have done so instead of hiding behind pseudonyms?
I am more than convinced that Suárez is no racist, but, in this instance, he has dug his own grave, and he must be helped to dig himself out of it. I have also ventured forth into enemy territory and said that Evra should also be banned for ungentlemanly conduct.
We, as Liverpool supporters, should be setting a good example, not an example as to how to behave as idiots, as as has too often happened when Man U come into the picture, and as has now happened, with all the nonsense spewed forth by other Reds fans (let alone the bile spewed forth by Man U fans).
Those who "sledge" supporters of other clubs are letting Liverpool Football Club, and themselves, down. As in this case. And, that goes for the racist minority among the supporters and those who have behaved idiotically on various internet fora. I feel a deep sense of shame, but I still love my club. End of story.
Pat. McGuinness (Pat's Football Blog)
Well said Pat, Its a complex and divisive issue.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that Suarez has been made an example by the FA but Liverpool must get on with it and sign a new striker as thats where we are lacking as a team.
Good to see positive comments on the subject. I agree the punishment was overly harsh but perhaps it took into account the manager's and team's response.
ReplyDelete