Liverpool challenge FA over handling of Suarez allegations

Liverpool are on a collision course with the Football Association after directly challenging the governing body over their handling of Luis Suarez’s racism charge.

The Uruguay international was last night given an eight-match ban and £40,000 fine after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

However, Liverpool, who have fully supported the 24-year-old ever since the issue came to light after the 1-1 draw with United on October 15, have come out fighting in their response to the punishment.

And there is a feeling within Anfield that there has been a witch hunt to punish Suarez, who defence was based on claims he was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.

“It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November,” said a club statement.

“Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name.

“We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms.”

Liverpool, who are awaiting the written verdict with interest, will almost certainly appeal within the 14 days they have to do so and Suarez’s punishment has been suspended until that decision has been made.

Suarez himself spoke last night through Twitter, saying: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I’ll keep working.

“I’m upset by the accusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody.”

His manager Kenny Dalglish also used the social networking site to say: “Very disappointed with today’s verdict. This is the time whenluis16suarez needs our full support. Let’s not let him walk alone. KD.”

Press Association Sport understands there are number of issues officials at the Merseyside club are unhappy about, including the different manner in which both players were interviewed and their belief about the way Suarez has been convicted on Evra’s account alone with no corroborating evidence.

“We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken,” continued the statement.

“It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act.

“It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ‘I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’.

“The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.

“It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player (Evra) was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.”

Mention of “prior unfounded accusations” is a reference to racism allegations Evra made against Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell in 2008 which were not proven.

An FA statement, which emerged just after 8pm, stated: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has today found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000, pending appeal.”

The commission’s ruling stated: “Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1);

“The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2).”

Manchester United said they would not be commenting.

Liverpool's Statement on Suarez

Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him. We look forward to the publication of the Commission’s Judgment. We will study the detailed reasons of the Commission once they become available, but reserve our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation.

We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken.

The club takes extremely seriously the fight against all forms of discrimination and has a long and successful track record in work relating to anti-racist activity and social inclusion. We remain committed to this ideal and equality for all, irrespective of a person’s background.

LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable – without compromise. It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act. It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.

It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ’I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’. The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.

Luis himself is of a mixed race family background as his grandfather was black. He has been personally involved since the 2010 World Cup in a charitable project which uses sport to encourage solidarity amongst people of different backgrounds with the central theme that the colour of a person’s skin does not matter; they can all play together as a team.

He has played with black players and mixed with their families whilst with the Uruguay national side and was captain at Ajax of a team with a proud multi-cultural profile, many of whom became good friends.

It seems incredible to us that a player of mixed heritage should be accused and found guilty in the way he has based on the evidence presented. We do not recognise the way in which Luis Suarez has been characterised.

It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November. Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name.

We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms. Luis, to his credit, actually told the FA he had not heard the insult.