Luis Suarez deserves Fergie’s criticism for refusing to shake Patrice Evra’s hand and continuing to fuel his image of being a racist

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BY JOHN GUBBA

Luis Suarez did nothing but bring shame on himself and Liverpool Football Club with his petulant display in the Merseysiders’ 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Not content with brushing away Patrice Evra’s attempt to shake his hand in the pre-match formalities, the Uruguayan spat venom throughout his first start since his eight-match ban for racially abusing the United skipper in the reverse fixture last October.

The hostility boiled over at half-time when Police and stewards had to shepherd the players into their dressing rooms at halftime. Evra, who kept his dignity throughout the crunch Premier League showdown, could not hide his pleasure at the final whistle when he jumped for joy in front of the Stretford End and celebrated United’s win that takes them top of the League.

Suarez, whose late consolation goal was Liverpool’s only reply to a glorious double from Wayne Rooney, at least had the good sense not to react as his team-mates ridiculously did when Evra’s post-match celebrations continued in front of him as he headed for the tunnel.

But it is hard to disagree with Sir Alex Ferguson’s assessment when he launched a scathing assessment of Suarez for his refusal to shake hands with Evra.

Insisting the Uruguayan should never play for Liverpool again, Fergie told Sky Sports: “I couldn’t believe, I just could not believe it. Patrice told me this morning, ‘I’m going to shake his hand, I’ve nothing to be ashamed of.’ But then Suarez refuses. He’s a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club.

“Some players should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again, the history that club’s got, and he does that. In a situation like today he could have caused a riot.”