I have always considered Liverpool to be one of the classiest clubs in Europe. Their history, traditions and spirit makes Liverpool FC one of the most recognisable names in football. The club has always tended to act in a dignified manner with an air of sophistication. When the club’s name was soiled by hooliganism and crowd disasters during the 1980s, the club managed to hold on to much of its respect. In the chilling aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, fans came together and showed staggering solidarity that typified what the club meant to the city, and highlighted the sense of community amongst the club’s followers. Bar the 2005 Champions League and a few cup successes, the Premier League era has been a baron one for this great football club, however it’s a fair reflection of Liverpool’s class that it still attracts huge levels of international support. Today, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is passionately sung by the famous Kop end before every kick-off, and is in my opinion the most beautiful song in football.
My admiration for Liverpool FC and its fans is enormous, however this season their glorious reputation has been greatly tainted by the Suarez Affair.
Yesterday the club accepted the guilty verdict against Luis Suarez for "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour contrary to FA rules" along with the fine and 8 match ban that accompanied the verdict. The Suarez saga dates back to an October clash with Manchester United, and has been poorly dealt with by the Merseysiders ever since.
It all started with an accusation from United full-back Patrice Evra that the Uruguayan had repeatedly commented derogatively on the colour of his skin, with Evra claiming that Suarez used the word “negro” or a variant of the word, five times. Several times during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15th, the pair were seen squaring up and arguing. The only witness that said they heard any kind of racist language was Evra himself.
However upon learning of Evra’s accusation, the FA opened an inquiry and charged Suarez. This was where Liverpool FC began their slippery slide towards shame.
In an interview Dalglish confirmed that they were unsurprisingly supporting Suarez, but then incredibly pointed the finger at Evra. He accused the Frenchman of lying and then demanded that he apologise. A very serious accusation had been made against Suarez, and though it was understandable that Dalglish wished to emphasise his support of his player, it was deeply unwise to further increase the tension by making such a brash statement. It was a reckless comment by Dalglish at a time when everybody should have been looking to return to normality and leave the issue in the hands of the FA.
Dalglish’s comments were daft, but the Liverpool supporters made the same mistake and left themselves very open to criticism by printing t-shirts saying “Evra is a liar” in November. Facebook groups began appearing labelling Evra a liar amongst other things. Much like Dalglish, the intention was to show support for Luis Suarez, but it was made in a very unsavoury way. Put simply, they were accusing the accuser, when nobody but the two involved had much of an idea about what had actually happened. It was a dangerous step to take.
Whilst Liverpool were stirring a bubbling pot, Manchester United made very few comments on the issue, and left it to the investigators. Even before the hearing had begun, it was obvious which club had taken the correct stance.
On 20th December the FA found Suarez guilty and handed the striker a £40,000 fine and an eight match ban.
Dalglish claimed they would await the official verdict before making any comment, but the Liverpool players showed a deplorable lack of class by donning t-shirts prior to their fixture at Wigan, with an image of Suarez on the front, claiming that they were supporting him. Suarez had just been found guilty of using racist language, one of the most serious crimes in modern football. They were openly showing their support for a racist.
The verdict was released and it seemed to show that there was adequate reasoning behind the decision, and that the evidence backed up Evra, but not Suarez. Evra was deemed a credible and trustworthy witness, whilst Suarez’s testimony wasn’t consistent with video evidence. Liverpool sent manager Dalglish, Director of Football, Comolli and player Dirk Kuyt to the hearing to give evidence in support of Suarez, but they all gave evidence that contradicted what Suarez had said, and to a large extent supported Evra’s accusation.
There was no longer any doubt that Suarez was guilty, and that he had used racist language.
Yesterday saw the final undignified move from Liverpool. Before their game against Manchester City, Liverpool announced in a petty, unapologetic statement that they would not be appealing against Suarez’s punishment, however that they also stood by their previous comments and refused to apologise.
English football has worked tirelessly in pursuit of the total eradication of racism from English football. Out of the blue racism once again reared its ugly head. The affair was dealt with in a very mature, efficient and extremely serious fashion by everybody in English football, apart from everybody at Liverpool FC.
Liverpool’s treatment of the accusation and verdict was childish, nonsensible and unapologetic. This was an extremely serious case, and Liverpool refused to treat it with the seriousness it required.
Everybody associated with Liverpool FC should hang their heads in shame. The behaviour of players, staff and fans has disgraced a great club. The lack of apology is quite frankly disgusting and sends the wrong message to outsiders. It’s tainted the image of both Liverpool FC and the sport of football.
