[UK] The FA investigating Suarez/Evra incident
Monday 17 Oct 2011
The FA is investigating a claim of racist abuse which allegedly occurred during the fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday (15 October).
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez said he was "upset" by the allegation he racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The claim followed Saturday's match between the teams at Anfield, and The Football Association have pledged to investigate. Evra was reported to have told media in his native France that Suarez directed racist insults at him during the 1-1 draw.
Suarez on Sunday wrote on his official Facebook page: "I'm upset by the acusations [sic] of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody. We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts."
Lord Herman Ouesley, Chair of Kick It Out, said any footballer guilty of racism should face "severe action" both from The FA and the player's club, but "you would have to be able to prove it beyond reasonable doubt".
He added: "There were incidents in the second half and Evra seemed to get very agitated so something was obviously bugging him because he was quite incensed. But if this happened he should have brought it to the attention of the referee at the time."
"No doubt The FA will take the matter seriously and consider the complaint fully in order for them to take appropriate action."
Evra made his claim to French television station Canal Plus, saying: "There are cameras. You can see him saying a certain word to me at least 10 times. There is no place for that in 2011."
The FA has confirmed they are examining the allegation after referee Andre Marriner was informed. Evra said Marriner was "aware of what has been said".
A statement from The FA on Saturday night said: "Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of an allegation at the end of the fixture and subsequently reported this to The FA. The FA will now begin making enquiries into the matter."
A Liverpool spokesman said Uruguay international Suarez "categorically denied" the allegation, reflecting his own stance on Sunday.
From Press Association
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Nelson Mandela
"I hate racial discrimination most intensely and all its manifestations. I have fought all my life; I fight now, and will do so until the end of my days."
Nelson Mandela