Dalglish wasn’t hung out to dry, insists Liverpool’s Ayre

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has insisted manager Kenny Dalglish was not “hung out to dry” over the Luis Suarez racism saga, despite admitting mistakes were made.

Dalglish faced a barrage of criticism as the Uruguayan striker attempted in vain to fight allegations that he had abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in October, and was ultimately hit with an eight-game ban.

However, Ayre was adamant the management team dealt with the issue as a whole.

He said yesterday: “The great thing about Liverpool FC and particularly the great thing about the team we have running that football club together day to day, is we are in it together.

“We have a little word that we started using about a year ago, which is ‘unity’. We were unified during that process, we are unified as a management, we are unified as an ownership and management team.

“Kenny wasn’t hung out to dry and never would be. He’s a very important part of our team... we all support him.”

Ayre acknowledged that the row could have been handled better, but added that Suarez and the club have moved on.

“Did we get anything wrong? Yes, I am sure we did, but we move on. Luis has moved on and what’s important now is focusing on Liverpool FC.”