LIVERPOOL striker Luis Suarez has been charged by the FA over allegations made against him during the Premier League clash with Manchester United last month.
United’s full-back Patrice Evra – who had several run-ins during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15 – claimed to French media after the match that he had been racially abused by the Uruguay forward throughout the match. After studying footage of the alleged incidents, the FA have now handed Suarez a charge for using “abusive and/or insulting words”.
An FA statement reads: “It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules. It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra.”
Liverpool has remained supportive of the player they signed from Ajax in January for £22.8 million, and remain adamant they will contest the charge.
The club said in a statement shortly after the charge was announced: “The club this afternoon received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge Luis Suarez and will take time to properly review the documentation which has been sent to us.
“We will discuss the matter fully with him when he returns from international duty, but he will plead not guilty to the charge and we expect him to request a personal hearing. Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra. The club remains fully supportive of Luis in this matter.”
The incident took place a week before Chelsea and England captain John Terry was alleged to have racially insulted Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry denies the accusations, which are currently being looked into by both the FA and the Metropolitan Police.
Terry was caught close-up on camera mouthing what appeared to be insults.
There is no TV footage of Suarez’s alleged insults aimed at Evra but the United player has said Suarez insulted him at least 10 times during the game, while Suarez has been quoted as saying he was only calling Evra what he heard his own team mates calling him.
Manchester United reported the FA charge on their website, reiterating recent comments by their manager Alex Ferguson that Evra was keen to press on with the matter. (Eurosport/Reuters)