Ferguson: Evra wants to pursue racism allegation

PATRICE EVRA has told Alex Ferguson he wants to pursue his allegation of racism against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

Evra was fuming after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday, claiming Suarez had racially abused him on a number of occasions during the game.

Although the full-back feels TV replays will prove his claims, Suarez has denied them strongly, and has been backed by Liverpool.

Ferguson yesterday sought Evra out for a chat ahead of United’s Champions League encounter with Otelul Galati in Romania tonight.

And the response was unequivocal.

“I spoke to Patrice today. He is adamant he wants to follow it on,” said Ferguson.

The controversy came at the end of a game which Ferguson was pleased to report had otherwise passed off without incident.

Prior to Saturday lunchtime’s clash, the United boss had urged his club’s supporters not to stand during the game, and then pleaded with fans of both sides not to abuse their opponents over the Munich and Hillsborough tragedies respectively.

“It is not an easy one for us,” said Ferguson. “Everyone knows Manchester United and Liverpool have great responsibilities in terms of things that happen on the field.

“Saturday was terrific. Both sets of fans were good. There was not any of that silly chanting we have had in previous years. Both sets of fans deserve praise for that.

“It (racism) is not something we would want to level against Liverpool and it is not against Liverpool.

“Obviously Patrice feels very aggrieved at what was said to him. It rests in the hands of the FA now.”

After leaving Wayne Rooney out of his starting line-up at Anfield because he felt the striker had been mentally affected by the three-match ban he received for his sending off in Montenegro, Ferguson was asked if he was confident Evra was in the right frame of mind to play tonight.

“Yes, yes,” he replied. “There is no problem.”

UEFA and FIFA repeatedly stress their anti-racism stance, yet have fined countries paltry sums when players of international teams have been the subject of racist taunts.

Earlier this month UEFA warned Bulgaria they face a disciplinary hearing into racist taunts during their Euro 2012 qualifier with England in Sofia earlier in the season, although that has been put back to November 17.

“I am not aware of any instances in terms of British football,” admitted Ferguson.

“We concentrate on our own game. What happens in other countries I am not really sure.

“Since I have come down we have had some fantastic players at Manchester United who have been black, fantastic players.

“It is not an issue for the game itself but there is an odd example.

“Maybe this is what surprised Patrice Evra. He thought he was slighted on Saturday. We don’t want to see it. It is as simple as that.”