Suarez apologizes for "letting Liverpool down"

By Ben James Feb 12, 2012, 14:31 GMT

London - Liverpool striker Luis Suarez apologized on Sunday for refusing to shake the hand of Manchester United's Patrice Evra before the league clash between the two teams on Saturday.

Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Evra when the two sides met earlier this season.

But on Sunday, Suarez said: 'I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realize I got things wrong.

'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 apologize for my actions.

'I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football.'

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish had defended Suarez in his immediate post-match comments.

But the Scot said on Sunday that he had been shocked to hear of Suarez's actions.

'When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened,' Dalglish said.

'But I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologize for that.'

Liverpool's managing director, Ian Ayre, said on Sunday that Suarez had been told his actions were 'unacceptable' and that he had let down everyone concerned.

And Dalglish said that it was now time for the club to move on.

'Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologized for what happened at Old Trafford,' Dalglish said.

'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.'

Immediately after the match at Old Trafford, United manager Sir Alex Fergsuon branded Suarez a 'disgrace' and said he should never play for Liverpool again.

But on Sunday, United released a statement saying they: 'thanked 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.'

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