SUAREZ vs EVRA HANDSHAKE SAGA

Luis Suarez first trying to shake Evra's hand but was reluctant

Liverpool on Sunday lost to their bitter rival Manchester United at Old Trafford in an epic encounter which saw lots of drama and talks. Build up to the game was all about Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra saga which saw Luis missing the last eight game of Liverpool through ban for alleged to have racially abused Evra in the first fixture at Anfield. It was early afternoon kickoff with the atmosphere charged and the stadium field to capacity, the drama took the centre stage of the game after Luis Suarez refused to shake hands with Evra. The Reds went on to lose 2-1 and Suarez has been roundly criticized for his actions since, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson branding him 'a disgrace'.

But now Suarez has issued a statement of regret and insisted he wants to put the whole matter behind him.

He said: "I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realize I got things wrong.  "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 apologize for my actions. "I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."

Liverpool’s manager, Kenny Dalglish refused to talk to the press after the game for his post match interview but some hours later came out with an apology to the entire journalist for his actions. A statement on the club’s website from Dalglish said: "Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologized for what happened at Old Trafford.

"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 apologize for that."

Liverpool’s Managing Director, Ian Ayre, has labelled Luis Suarez‘s decision not to shake hands with Manchester Utd defender Patrice Evra before yesterday’s encounter between the two sides at Old Trafford as “unacceptable”.

Suarez has since apologized for the snub, saying he has let the club down. Ayre says that the club had been assured by the Uruguayan striker that he would shake hands with Evra before the game, and now feels the club were mislead by the 25-year-old.

“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 apologized 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 he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United have released a brief statement expressing their wish to move on from the whole matter.

It reads: “Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issues following Saturday’s game. Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of the success and rivalry unparalleled in British football. That should be the focus of all those who love the clubs.

In my opinion I think Liverpool has acted in the best professional manner ever and has really showed the rest of the world what the club really stands for. What has happened has happened it time to move on both Suarez and the club, we all hope he’s really lent his lessons and will allow himself to calm down. This should rather motivate him and make him grow from strength to strength. The best way to silent his critics is to keep improving and improving, score more goals and mind his own business on the field of play.

The statement issued from Liverpool’s MD clearly states our position on the matter and not that we are ready to cash in on the lad, we want him to behave himself in the manner that’s expected of him as an ambassador to the club. The time has come to move on as we have an FA Cup game to play against Brighton on Sunday in the 5^th Round of the competition which can lead us to Wembley and also the Carling Cup finals against Cardiff City at Wembley on 26^th February, 2012.

LUIS SUAREZ: PLAYERS AND PUNDITS REACT TO HANDSHAKE ROW- FROM BBC

Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen said on the BBC's Match of the Day: "The rhetoric from both clubs before the game was restraint. Liverpool said there would be a handshake, so for Suarez to snub Evra is totally unacceptable. Liverpool have given Suarez total support through thick and thin and I think he's let Kenny down, he's let the club down and he's let himself down."

Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer told the BBC's Match of the Day: "Kenny [Dalglish] is fiercely loyal but Suarez has let him down. This should have been the start of the end. I totally disagree with Suarez not shaking his hand. Evra puts his hand out - and then Ferdinand chooses not to shake [Suarez's hand]. It's not a great day for football." On Evra's post-match celebration, he added: "There was no need for Evra to do that in front of Suarez, who keeps calm."

Former Liverpool striker John Barnes said on ESPN: "When I saw it live and they didn't shake hands, it just amazed me. I can't imagine after everything that has gone on this week that this was not discussed by Liverpool in terms of are they going to shake hands or not.

"It's a big shock and was compounded by Evra at the end [celebrating near Suarez] and then Sir Alex Ferguson. It's not a good day from a PR perspective for either club."

However, Barnes also insisted too much had been made of the whole row between the players, adding: "For me, we are making a mountain out of a molehill. There are worse things happening in the world."

Wayne Rooney also played down the handshake snub, insisting: "I haven't seen it. A few of the lads were talking about it but we've got to just focus on the game. It's between the two of them, it's nothing to do with us. We had to just focus 100% on the game and make sure we got three points."

Former England manager and Liverpool striker Kevin Keegan was unimpressed by Ferguson's call for Liverpool to sell Suarez, insisting both clubs have behaved badly over the issue: "To come out and say a player shouldn't play for another club that you have no control of, I think is wrong. Instead of calming this down, they've allowed it to escalate.

"They are the two biggest clubs in this country in terms of winning things and I think both clubs at different times have handled it badly, I think Liverpool in the beginning very badly.

"Today was a chance to say to the player, 'Shake his hand and get on with it', and then there's nothing to say. Then Evra after the game, why would he want to do that? He's won his case, the guy's got a lengthy ban, just keep quiet. You've won the game."

BBC pundit Steve Claridge told Final Score: "I'm with Sir Alex here. It was a poor way to behave and he [Suarez] has made himself out to be a villain.

"To shake someone's hand before a game is to wipe the slate clean. To not do that is not acceptable behaviour."

Former Liverpool defender John Scales told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's incredibly disappointing. We all expected a handshake - Sir Alex Ferguson did, Kenny Dalglish did - and it took everyone by shock."

However, Scales also insisted that Evra's behaviour helped to inflame the situation. "There are certain players who have real control of their emotions and I think Patrice Evra is quite a volatile character. That celebration at the end of the game was overdone," he added.

Former Football Association chief executive Mark Palios told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek that the handshake was "clearly symbolic, and its symbolism has its place in the game.

"From a player's perspective it's very difficult to shake someone's hand if you don't want to.

"But players have a responsibility to their club and to the wider interests of the game. If it can cause more problems in a particular circumstance, it's right for the clubs to dispense with it.

"You cannot have two of England's most famous and proud clubs at each other's throats on an instance like this, and I think they [the FA] will have to bring the two clubs together - it cannot carry on like this."

Former Arsenal and FA vice-chairman David Dein told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek: "Handshakes should be respected. Football first and foremost is a sport and sporting conduct has to be encouraged. What happened was unfortunate and an embarrassment.

"All clubs sign up to Fifa's and Uefa's Fair Play and anti-racism campaigns and they have got to be respected. Players have to respect that, they are role models to youngsters."

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek: "I regret what happened because it would have been a good opportunity to put everything to bed.

"It created some tension, I was at the game and I could feel it, the atmosphere was a bit toxic but at the same time I am a bit disappointed because it overshadowed the quality of the game.

"It was a good game of football between two good sides but instead we are talking about what Suarez did or didn't do."

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Preview

It another weekend piled with epic league fixtures, Liverpool come face to face with Manchester United just a fortnight after seeing of their bittiest rival in the 4^th round of the FA cup at Anfield when a Dirk Kuyt late goal secured a 5^th round birth for the KOP. Liverpool, and in particular Luis Suarez, will be facing a hostile crowd at Old Trafford on Saturday (12.45pm KO), but that won’t be a new experience for either the club or player. More importantly, the Reds can maintain their push for a 4^th place finish – and in turn put a dent in Utd’s title challenge – by defeating a side they knocked out of the FA Cup 4^thround just two weeks ago.  After the thrilling draw at Stamford Bridge, a game where United rescued a point where it looked as if we were slipping to a defeat, we`re back on home turf to take on old foes Liverpool this Saturday lunchtime. Dalglish's first match on his return to the club in January 2011 to replace Roy Hodgson was a 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford, in which captain Steven Gerrard was sent off.

Liverpool don’t have the greatest record at Old Trafford, having picked up just 15 league wins from 78 matches, and only four of those were recorded from the 19 previous encounters in the Premier League. Despite the historical stats not looking too good for us, we can take some solace from our away form this season which is covered in more detail below.

With Fergie’s side still in the title race, they will hope to amend for their fourth round FA cup defeat to their bitter rivals, and keep up the pressure on city. Liverpool meanwhile, is struggling to even make fourth, with every minute they continue to play the human traffic cone and serial threat to the well-being of all that sit in row z behind the goal, Andy Carroll.

United on the other hand have lost just two of their last 15 league games. Liverpool have suffered only three defeats in their last 15 matches in all competitions. It could be very tight. The home side has scored 16 goals in its last five home games. Only Manchester City have conceded fewer league goals than Liverpool. A cup tie atmosphere will suit Liverpool. They've won seven of eight games in cup competition this season. United have won seven of the last eight meetings with their old Merseyside rivals at Old Trafford but they have to avenge the FA Cup defeat last month when they played some good football but gave away soft goals. Liverpool will be sure to pressurise whoever plays in the United goal after David de Gea's nerves at Anfield. Andy Carroll had one of his best Liverpool performances that day. Suarez was brilliant in setting up Dirk Kuyt's hat-trick in the Anfield meeting last season. United's defence will be up against it.

The FA has encouraged Evra and Suarez to shake hands and move on from the incident, and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has “no problems” that the pre-match handshake will go ahead. Though, all eyes will be on the two players upon kick-off, the match has enough going for the attention to soon switch to the quality of football.

Manchester United Player to Watch: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney wasted little time getting back in the swing of things after a short stint on the sidelines on account of injury. Wazza put through two penalty kicks to help United force a tie with Chelsea this past weekend and figures to feature prominently once again when Liverpool comes to Manchester. Surprisingly enough, Rooney has scored only twice in 19 career appearances against his hometown club. Don't expect that to keep Rooney off the board this time, particularly with the strong season that he's currently enjoying.

Liverpool Player to Watch: Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez's return to action didn't net Liverpool any goals against Spurs, though his side's ball movement improved considerably once Kenny Dalglish pulled the Uruguayan offs the bench in the second half. Luisito will likely start against United, giving him a full match in which to work his magic up front.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

·         Manchester United have won six of the last seven league meetings at Old Trafford - the exception was Liverpool's 4-1 win in March 2009.

·         Only two of the last 23 league clashes between the sides have ended in a draw.

·         Kenny Dalglish's first match on his return to the helm at Anfield last season was an FA Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 1-0 but Liverpool gained revenge in this season's FA Cup, winning 2-1 a fortnight ago.

·         Two of the last three league meetings have featured hat-tricks - Dirk Kuyt for Liverpool and Dimitar Berbatov for Manchester United.

Manchester United

·         Manchester United have won four of their last five home league games - the exception was Blackburn's shock win at Old Trafford in December.

·         United have dropped eight points at home so far in this league campaign - at this stage last season, they had dropped just two.

·         Sir Alex Ferguson's side have kept 12 clean sheets in their 24 Premier League games this season, more than any other team.

·         Manchester United have been awarded eight penalties in this season's Premier League, more than any other club. They have scored six of them.

·         The Red Devils have scored 12 goals in the last 10 minutes of league games this season, the most in the top flight. Liverpool have scored just three, the joint-lowest tally.

Liverpool

·         Liverpool have won more league matches away from home than they have at Anfield - four wins at home, six away.

·         The Reds have won just one of their last five league matches.

LIVERPOOL VS TOTTENHAM: PREVIEW

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is likely to return to the Liverpool team after missing out in the midweek victory over Wolves. Gerrard was substituted off during the Man Utd victory after tiring – the player having had a hectic spell in the team since his long awaited return from injury at the end of December is set to make a return to the starting lineup against Spurs on Monday night.

The Reds must try hard as they can to overturn a recent run of defeats against the visitors, Liverpool have lost all their last three encounters against Spurs in the Premier League. A back-to-back defeat last season and losing its first game this season four nil at White Hart Lane, a match that Liverpool started poorly and ended up with 2-man shot.  In other to pick up all three points at Anfield on Monday Liverpool must try and replicate their recent run of form against United, City and Bolton into this game.

Tottenham, are currently occupying the third spot with 49 points as against Liverpool’s 6^th position with 38 points, both teams are chasing a top four finish but Spurs Manager, Harry Radnapp is very optimistic of grapping the top spot. This match is very crucial for both team as Liverpool are on the brink of making it up into the top4 this season whiles Spurs want to keep the recent form into play as they chase the top spot.

Liverpool will also be keen to end a run of three consecutive defeats suffered at the hands of Spurs (home and away) and in doing so, prevent Spurs from claiming their first league double over us since the 1986/87 season.

Spurs have changed their personnel somewhat during the January transfer window, adding Louis Saha (aged 33) and Ryan Nelsen (34) to their ranks, while letting Steven Pienaar (29), Sebastien Bassong (25) and Vedran Corluka (25) leave on loan and Roman Pavlyuchenko (30) sealing a permanent move to Lokomotiv Moskow , as Harry Redknapp builds for the long-term in classic ‘Arry style.

Despite the plethora of names linked with moves to Liverpool in January, no new first-team players were added to the squad but the return of Luis Suarez following his eight match ban to competitive action is like a £50m attacking tour-de-force added to the team, to complement the in-form Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt. Liverpool suddenly don’t look like a team in desperate need of a new striker.

Special mention must be given to Dirk Kuyt who scored his 50^th league goal for the club against Wolves, putting him joint 30^th on Liverpool’s leading league goalscorers list, while he is also ranked in 30^th outright on our all-time goalscorers list (69 goals in all competitions), whilst not forgetting he is ranked in 5^th place on our top European goalscorers list with 15 goals.

He may have had a poor first half of the season by his standards but he hasn’t lost his knack for scoring important goals which should not be overlooked. Striker Luis Suarez returns from an eight-match suspension and will go straight back into the squad. The Uruguay international has not played since Boxing Day and is likely to be given a place among the substitutes.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

·         Spurs are looking to complete a Premier League double over Liverpool for the second consecutive season.

·         Liverpool have won just one and lost four of their last five Premier League meetings with Tottenham.

·         Tottenham's 2-0 win last May was their only Premier League victory in 17 visits to Anfield.

Liverpool

·         Liverpool are unbeaten in the league at Anfield this season but have been held to seven draws - the club's most ever at this stage of a top-flight campaign.

·         Jamie Carragher has scored three Premier League goals for Liverpool - equal to the number of own goals he has scored for Spurs against Liverpool.

·         Their tally of 14 Premier League goals at home is their fewest at this point in a season since 2001-02.

·         Craig Bellamy has scored in each of his last four Premier League starts - a total of five goals.

·         Kenny Dalglish has won five and lost five games against Spurs as a Premier League manager.

·         Daniel Agger is in line to make his 100th Premier League start.

Tottenham

·         Tottenham have scored in their last 22 Premier League games, the longest run by any club within a single season since 2007-08.

·         Harry Redknapp has won just two of 28 Premier League visits to Merseyside.

·         Spurs' tally of 49 points from 23 games is their best ever in the Premier League.

·         Emmanuel Adebayor has scored three goals in his last three Premier League games against Liverpool.

·         Gareth Bale is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance.

·         Spurs have drawn 199 games in the Premier League era.

WOLVERHAMPTON WONDERERS VS LIVERPOOL: MATCH REPORT

Liverpool ones again in less than a week produced an amazing performance to see off Wolverhampton Wenderers in the mid-week fixture at the Molineux Stadium. It was not the first occasion in this campaign when the boos have rung out from Wolverhampton Wanderers fans at Molineux but the intensity of the dissatisfaction seems greater now. With Steven Gerrard rested, this was not Liverpool's strongest lineup yet they coasted to a win. They were 3-0 ahead by the 78th minute when Dirk Kuyt took the last goal with an excellent drive from an angle on the right. It completed a memorable seven days for Liverpool after their Carling Cup and FA Cup wins over the two Manchester clubs. Andy Carroll's first league goal for three months set Liverpool on the way to victory before Dirk Kuyt wrapped up the scoring.

Credit is due the visitors, who are Carling Cup finalists, conquerors of Manchester United in the FA Cup and a club with some prospect of a return to the Champions League. They stand fifth and are just four points behind Chelsea. There is an authority to Kenny Dalglish's team. Encouraging signs are abundant and Luis Suárez will be available now his eight-match ban is completed. Wolves have little to hearten them and, with the transfer window shut, some will argue that the only other change that can be made is the removal of the manager, Mick McCarthy.

A shot against the post by the Wolves substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake got the audience's attention but Liverpool had notched all their goals by then. The hosts, despite being 19th, are yet to be cut adrift. That brings some comfort but resurgence will have to be conjured up shortly.

Liverpool, by contrast, may have to check expectations and Dalglish is just the person for that assignment. Following this match, he was quick to point to Liverpool's recent defeat by Bolton Wanderers. He had just one reservation about the commanding display by Craig Bellamy here, wishing the forward were "23 instead of 32".

Bellamy, a substitute in the FA Cup win over United, relished this start. The remainder of the side was initially in the same mood, with Kuyt firing off target from a knockdown in the third minute by the improving and confident Andy Carroll.

The pressure continued, with the Wolves goalkeeper, Wayne Hennessey, alert when blocking Daniel Agger's header with a foot in the 25th minute. Molineux has been no stronghold of late and the side has not won anywhere since overcoming Sunderland at home on 4 December.

The ominous tone was no illusion. With 53 minutes gone Eggert Jonsson lost possession and Liverpool pounced. Carroll put his side ahead, converting Adam's low ball from the left. The second goal came eight minutes later, with Bellamy firing an angled shot from the left into the far corner. Liverpool's enjoyment of this fixture seldom faltered.

Andy Carroll, was superb on the evening running and moving the home defenders around, a workrate that has elueded Anfield side since his big money move from Newcastle. He played very well and won all is air ball with excellent ball control and movement with the ball, excellent way to crown a very good week of non-stop football. Spearing returned to the team from an injury with a splendid performance tackling every single ball and moving everywhere with accurate passing and duels. His return has given Kenny lots of option to choose from against Spurs on Monday night at Anfield.

If the performances against the two Manchester teams and Wolves are anything to go by then I can confidently say Liverpool will come out victors in the crunchy game on Monday but in football anything can happen. A win on Monday will greatly push for a top 4 finish since Chelsea are set to meet United.