Dalglish issues apology
Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has apologised for his conduct during his post-match interview with Sky Sports on Saturday as he faced questions about Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The 60-year-old Scot says he was not aware at the time that the Uruguayan, who was banned for eight matches after racially abusing Evra during the league game between the sides at Anfield in October, had not shaken hands with the Frenchman and he said on Sunday that he had been assured by Suarez that a handshake would take place.
Dalglish said in a statement released on the official Liverpool website: "(Managing director) Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford."
He added: "To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do.
"But as Ian said earlier, all of us have a responsibility to represent this Club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager.
"When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologise for that."
Suarez also apologised on Sunday for his conduct, while Ayre said the South American had misled his employers by indicating he was going to shake Evra's hand.
Ayre told www.liverpoolfc.tv: "We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so.
"He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team-mates and the club. It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable.
"Luis Suarez has now apologised for his actions which was the right thing to do. However, all of us have a duty to behave in a responsible manner and we hope that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club."
Press Association
