Barcelona Reject Tunnel Threat Claims

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Luis Enrique has dismissed reports that striker Luis Suárez threatened Espanyol players in the tunnel after Barcelona’s 4-1 Copa del Rey victory at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Espanyol finished the first leg of the last-16 tie with nine men after Hernán Pérez and Papakouly Diop were sent off, while there were accusations that goalkeeper Pau López stamped on Lionel Messi.

But with ill-feeling still hanging over from the 0-0 draw between the city rivals at the weekend when Barça players accused opposition fans of racially abusing Neymar, it was Suárez’s clash with Diop that caused problems after the final whistle.

According to referee Juan Martínez Munuera’s report, which has been quoted by Catalan newspaper Sport, the Senegal international told Suárez, “I shit in your whore mother”, and was shown a red card in the 75th minute.

“At the end of the game, once in the tunnel, Barça’s No9, Suárez while the Espanyol players were coming up the stairs, waited for them and shouted at them on various occasions,” read the report. “He said: ‘I’m waiting for you, come here! You’re a waste of space’. It provoked a confrontation between players of both clubs and the security guards had to get involved, as did coaches of both teams.”

Asked about the incident, Luis Enrique dismissed the accusation as “Christmas carols”, presumably in reference to the fact the match was being played on Dia de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day). “It isn’t down to the coaches or the players to keep the peace,” the Barcelona manager added. “It’s down to the referees to ensure we play football and not American football. There was some tension. I’d like it if there were more football, fewer interruptions and no injuries.

“When someone oversteps the mark, it’s down to the referees to keep order. Of course there’s tension in these games. The players know each other, they’re two teams with a special rivalry but that rivalry has to remain positive.”

But Diop, who launched into a dance routine in May 2014 when playing for Levante in response to racist chanting from Atlético Madrid fans, insisted Suárez should have been sent off as well.

“We both insulted each other. He said swear words to me, and me to him, and I get sent off. The referee told me he didn’t hear us both, only me,” Diop told Carrusel Deportivo.

“[The press] have spent all week saying we are violent and this has had its effect. [Barcelona’s players] are really good and if you cannot even touch them, they can do what they want.

“You cannot say we were violent. There wasn’t any blood – if we had wanted to, the Barça players would have gone off on stretchers.”

Espanyol received eight yellow cards and two reds during the match, although Andrés Iniesta dismissed suggestions things had gone over the top. “Violence is a very strong word, in games like this there’s a lot of rivalry and contact,” he said.

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Suarez Levels Liverpool at The Bridge

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John Terry will undergo an MRI scan on Monday morning to determine the extent of the damage suffered to his knee durng the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea captain, making his comeback after a four-match domestic ban, headed the hosts in front from a corner in the 20th minute.

But his joy turned to agony 15 minutes later as his tackle on Luis Suarez ended with the Liverpool striker landing awkwardly on the centre-back's right leg.

Terry immediately signalled his distress to the bench and after five minutes of treatment he was carried off on a stretcher.

The 31-year-old had his head in his hands and was consoled by manager Roberto Di Matteo before disappearing down the tunnel.

After the match Di Matteo said: "We will have to wait until the swelling goes down on John's knee before we can assess the extent of the injury.

"At the moment he is still here at Stamford Bridge. It's a shame for him as he has just come back from his ban. I hope the injury is not too serious.

"He has got a problem with his knee and will have to have an MRI scan tomorrow morning. We will have to wait for the MRI scan. That will tell us the exact extent of the injury.

"You saw how he started the game, with his quality and experience and he scored the goal. He is a player who is very influential in our team and we will certainly miss him."

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Suarez May Get PSG Escape

Luis Suarez may be offered a way out of Liverpool and English football by a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain, after reports in respected French sports newspaper L'Equipe linked the Qatari-owned Ligue 1 leaders with the Uruguayan.

The French club are keen to add a world class striker to their squad and the recent problems of Suarez at Liverpool have convinced them that the Anfield club would consider selling a prized asset that has turned toxic over recent weeks.

Suarez served an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, then raised tensions again in refusing to shake the Frenchman's hand ahead of Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United last week.

Suarez apologised to his manager, Kenny Dalglish, and the club, but Liverpool's American owners have been embarrassed by the affair and the Uruguayan's future is in doubt.

Signed in January last year from Ajax in a deal worth £22.8m, Suarez has scored 13 times in 36 appearances for Liverpool. Though arguably the club's best player, the controversy surrounding him may convince Liverpool the best thing for all parties would be to recoup their outlay.

Backed by the oil and gas rich Qatari royal family, PSG would have no trouble meeting any asking price and matching or improving Suarez's wages.

Suarez's great friend from the national team, Uruguay captain Lugano, is also already in Paris, something that may help smooth the deal from the player's point of view.

PSG have struggled for goals in the absence through injury of Javier Pastore, whom they hope will help solve their attacking problems when they entertain Ligue 1 title rivals Montpellier, one place and one point behind PSG, on Sunday.

The Argentine, who was signed before the start of the season for a French record €42m fee from Palermo, is expected to play after a three-week layoff.

"We must be more efficient in attack," Ancelotti said, ahead of the top of the table clash.

"What we showed [previously] would not be enough against Montpellier."

Ancelotti believes PSG need to find ways to stretch defences if they are to score more goals.

"We need to use the whole width of the pitch because our opponents can too easily contain our three offensive players," he said.

Luis Suarez Adds Apology

Luis Suarez has apologised for not shaking Patrice Evra's hand before Liverpool's game against Manchester United and admits he 'let the club down'.

The striker was starting his first game for Liverpool on Saturday since returning from an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra when the two teams met at Anfield in October.

However, the Uruguay international caused further controversy by refusing to shake Evra's hand during the traditional pre-match routine.

Suarez has now said sorry for the incident after speaking with manager Kenny Dalglish and is keen to put the matter behind him.

Regret

"I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong," said Suarez in a statement on Liverpool's official website.

"I've not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.

"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.

"I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."

Dalglish had revealed before the match that he was expecting Suarez to shake Evra's hand in the first meeting between the two players since the incident back in the autumn.

Suarez's snub prompted United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to label the forward 'a disgrace' and suggest he should not play for Liverpool again.

Speaking after the game, Dalglish said he was unaware that Suarez had not shaken Evra's hand and felt it was unfair to blame the former Ajax attacker for any flashpoints on Saturday.

There was a tunnel bust-up between the players at half-time, while Evra's full-time celebrations after United's 2-1 win also drew criticism.

Evra celebrated near to Suarez and Ferguson admitted that his stand-in captain should not have acted in such a manner.

Kenny Sorry for Post Match Views

Kenny Dalglish has apologised for his conduct during his post-match interview after Liverpool's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United after admitting he was 'shocked' to learn Luis Suarez had not shaken Patrice Evra's hand.

Suarez's first start for Liverpool since returning from an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra was overshadowed by the striker's refusal to shake the United defender's hand before kick-off.

The Uruguayan has subsequently apologised for his actions and has admitted that he let Liverpool down in not shaking Evra's hand.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre also released a statement saying that Suarez had 'misled' the club after he had told them in the build-up to the game that he would shake hands with Evra.

Speaking after the match, Dalglish said he was unaware that Suarez had snubbed Evra, but insisted his player was not to blame for anything else that happened in the match.

Shocked

Dalglish also criticised the media for its role in the build-up to the contest, but the Liverpool boss has now apologised for his own conduct.

"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," said Dalglish.

"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."

Ferguson Brands Suarez as Disgrace

Luis Suarez is a disgrace, says Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson branded Luis Suarez a "disgrace" for refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand before Manchester United's ill-tempered 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

"Suarez is a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club," said United manager Ferguson. "He should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again. He could have caused a riot."

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said in an interview: "I think you're bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened here today."

As well as the handshake controversy, the two sets of players reportedly clashed in the tunnel at half-time before Liverpool players reacted angrily to Evra's celebrations at the full-time whistle.

Wayne Rooney scored twice early in the second half before Suarez netted a consolation in the 80th minute.

It was the first time the two sides have met since Suarez completed his suspension.

And, in a post on Twitter, the striker said: "We lost and we are sad because we have made a big effort... Disappointed because everything is not that it seems..."

Dalglish, who did not attend his traditional post-match press conference with the written media, told Sky Sports he did not see Suarez refuse to shake hands with Evra and does not blame the Uruguayan for the bad blood that marred the contest.

"I never knew Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand," Dalglish said. "I wasn't there, I never saw it. It's contrary to what I've been told."

Ferguson, however, had a different point of view and believes the racism issue is one which needs to be addressed.

"I couldn't believe Suarez refused Evra's handshake," he said. "You saw the referee [Phil Dowd]. He didn't know what to do. It was a terrible start to the game and it created a terrible atmosphere.

"Racism is an important issue and football has come a long way since the days of bananas being thrown at John Barnes."

The United boss believes Evra "kept his dignity" by offering to shake Suarez's hand, but did not condone the Frenchman's post-match celebrations.

"Evra shouldn't have jumped in front of Suarez in celebration at the end," he added. "He shouldn't have done that."

United players Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher, who is still on the sidelines with a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, were also quick to condemn Suarez's actions, while supporting their team-mate.

"After seeing what happened, I decided not to shake his hand ... I lost all respect for the guy," Ferdinand said.

"It could have been resolved between the two players today. After this, it's not great."

Fletcher added: "Credit to Patrice Evra, I think he's come out (and) he's the bigger man."

Before the game, thousands of copies of a Manchester United fanzine, which featured a "potentially offensive image", were seized by police.

The Red Issue fanzine featured a cut-out Ku Klux Klan-style mask with the words "LFC Suarez is innocent".

Anfield Issues Suarez Statement

Liverpool will not appeal against Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

However, in a strongly worded statement, the club maintained Suarez was innocent of the charge.

The FA panel has damaged the reputation of one the Premier League's best players, deciding he should be punished and banned for perhaps a quarter of a season.Liverpool statement

But the Reds said they fully supported moves "to stamp out racism in every form, inside and outside the sport".

"It is for this reason that we will not appeal the eight-game suspension of Luis Suarez," the club added.

Suarez also released a statement in which he said he would "carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong".

The ban started immediately, meaning Suarez missed Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

A 115-page independent report into the incident with Evra during the1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October, found the Uruguay striker gave"unreliable" evidence to the body that was investigating the case.

It said Suarez had "damaged the image of English football around the world". Suarez was said to have used the term "negro" seven times in around two minutes.

But Liverpool, in their statement, said their "strongly held conviction" was that the Football Association and the panel it selected constructed a highly subjective case...based on an accusation that was ultimately unsubstantiated".

"The FA panel has damaged the reputation of one the Premier League's best players, deciding he should be punished and banned for perhaps a quarter of a season," it continued.

"This case has also provided a template in which a club's rival can bring about a significant ban for a top player without anything beyond an accusation."

However, Liverpool went on to say there were "ultimately larger issues than whether or not Luis Suarez has been treated fairly".

"English football has led the world in welcoming all nationalities and creeds into its Premier League and its leagues below, and Liverpool Football Club itself has been a leader in taking a progressive stance on issues of race and inclusion," Liverpool said.

"The Luis Suarez case has to end so that the Premier League, the Football Association and the club can continue the progress that has been made and will continue to be made and not risk a perception, at least by some, that would diminish our commitment on these issues.

"Liverpool Football Club have supported Luis Suarez because we fundamentally do not believe that Luis on that day - or frankly any other - did or would engage in a racist act.

"Continuing a fight for justice in this particular case beyond today would only obscure the fact that the club wholeheartedly supports the efforts of the Football Association, the Football League and the Premier League to put an end to any form of racism in English football.

"It is time to put the Luis Suarez matter to rest and for all of us, going forward, to work together to stamp out racism in every form both inside and outside the sport.

"It is for this reason that we will not appeal the eight-game suspension of Luis Suarez."

Meanwhile, Suarez said he had "never had a racial problem with a team-mate or individual who was of a different race or colour to mine".

"I'm very upset at feeling so powerless whilst being accused of something which I did not, nor would not, ever do," he said.

"In my country, 'negro' is a word we use commonly, a word which doesn't show any lack of respect and is even less so a form of racist abuse. Based on this, everything which has been said so far is totally false.

"I will carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong and who feels extremely upset by the events.

"I do feel sorry for the fans and for my team mates whom I will not be able to help during the next month. It will be a very difficult time for me."

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor welcomed Liverpool's decision not to appeal.

"We think this shows good judgement and is to their credit," he said.

"We hope they can now move on and ensure that all their employees understand the issues involved and we look forward to them playing an important role in our campaign against discrimination."

Suarez Handed Eight Match Ban

Liverpool's Luis Suarez has been handed an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine by the Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

The Uruguay striker, 24, clashed with the France defender during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October.

Suarez, who denied the allegations, has 14 days to appeal against the decision.

He tweeted: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family. Thanks for all the support."

Liverpool, who had backed their player throughout the case, said the club was "very surprised" by the decision, while manager Kenny Dalglish said on Twitter that he was "very disappointed".

The Reds boss added: "This is the time when Luis Suarez needs our full support. Let's not let him walk alone."

The six-day hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, was told Suarez used "insulting words", which included a reference to Evra's colour.

A Liverpool statement said: "We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone.

"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."

The club added: "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."

But Liverpool have questioned whether the FA also intends to charge Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent.

The Anfield statement added: "Evra 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."

TIM VICKERY COLUMNContinue reading the main story

Suarez's eight-game ban smacks of the FA seizing on a chance to score a political pointRead more of Tim's column

The FA said the penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal which may be made by Suarez.

Its statement added: "The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Suarez has an effective right of appeal."

Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), believes the governing body's decision is a landmark judgement.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "This is the first time we have seen an insight into what is said between players on the pitch, and what may have been commonplace between players in the past.

"This is a big moment and I would say that the FA have dealt with this in the right way. They have taken their time and taken independent advice.

"No one takes any pleasure from seeing him found guilty like this but it is an interesting judgement."

Powar said Fare has taken advice on the abusive word used by Suarez and the context of similar words in South American dialect.

He added: "If it is used in a friendly fashion then it is acceptable, it turns immediately to a hostile meaning if it used as an offensive word.

"Taking the context of that game, it is difficult to see how he would have used it in a friendly way."

Suarez, who is facing a separate charge from the FA over an alleged abusive hand gesture he made as he left the pitch following Liverpool's 1-0 defeat by Fulham on 5 December, told media in Uruguay that he "called him [Evra] something his team-mates at Manchester call him".

Evra made his claims immediately after the match and was quoted as telling French television station Canal Plus: "There are cameras, you can see [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times."

The Frenchman reported his complaint after the game to match referee Andre Marriner, who included it in his report.

Chairman of anti-racism group Kick It Out Herman Ouseley said: "The FA has shown leadership and intent through what has clearly been a difficult and complex complaint to deal with, and invested time and expertise to ensure this outcome.

"It has demonstrated that it will not stand for discrimination, something organisations such as Fifa and Uefa should take heed of."

But he added: "This charge is not saying Luis Suarez is a racist. It's saying, on this occasion, he used racist language.

"It doesn't make him a bad guy - he needs to learn what is acceptable."

Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle thinks the decision is "100% correct".

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "There are definitely cultural differences for a lot of players coming from South America and from the continent into England.

"But even though those differences do exist, we still expect people who come and work here to adhere to the standards and the laws of this land.

"It's wholly acceptable in parts of the Middle East to chop off the hands of thieves but we wouldn't tolerate it here and it's just the same when it comes to racism."

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: "I was surprised at the severity of the punishment - bearing in mind the length of time the case took. That suggested there was some doubt about the claims.

"But it shows the FA must have some compelling evidence."

Taylor also believes clubs tend to adopt a "them and us" stance against the FA when their players are investigated by Soho Square bosses.

He said: "They almost automatically support their players. But some things are bigger than clubs, players and even the game itself. Racism is one of them."

LUIS SUAREZ FACTFILE

Born 24 January 1987 in Salto, Uruguay

Makes professional debut with Nacional in 2005

Makes debut for Uruguay against Colombia in February 2007 and is sent off in the 85th minute

Joins Ajax in August 2007 in a deal reportedly worth £6.3m

In 2010, he scores 33 goals in 35 matches for Ajax before helping Uruguay reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. He is sent off in the quarter-final

In November 2007, he is banned for seven matches after being found guilty of biting PSV's 

Otman Bakkal

Signs for Liverpool in January 2011 in a deal worth up to £22.8m

Patrice Evra makes an allegation of racism against the striker in October and, after being found guilty, he is banned for eight matches and fined £40,000

SELECTED FOOTBALL BANS

1964: David Layne, Peter Swan and Tony Kay (life bans for betting on their team to lose, later reduced to 7 years)

1988: Paul Davis (9 matches for punching opponent)

1995: Eric Cantona (9 months for attacking supporter)

1998: Paolo di Canio (11 matches for pushing referee)

2003: Mark Bosnich (9 months for failed drugs test)

2003: Rio Ferdinand (8 months for failing to take drugs test)

2005: David Prutton (10 matches for pushing referee)