Luis Suarez says sorry after handshake snub to Patrice Evra

LIVERPOOL striker Luis Suarez apologised yesterday for not shaking Patrice Evra’s hand before his side’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United at the weekend, with Anfield manager Kenny Dalglish also apologising for his reaction.

The Uruguayan was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Evra in October, but refused to shake the Frenchman’s hand during Saturday’s pre-match Premier League ritual, prompting widespread condemnation.

“I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong,” Suarez said in a statement issued by Liverpool.

“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.”

United manager Alex Ferguson branded the Uruguayan a “disgrace” while Dalglish, who has backed his striker throughout the saga, gave a robust post-game interview in which he argued with a television reporter.

In another statement issued yesterday, Dalglish said: “It is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised 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.

“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.”

Manchester United later released a statement to say that the Old Trafford club had accepted the apologies.