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Fast-forward through two months of rumors and allegations and Suarez has been banned for eight matches by the FA, and anti-racism groups around Europe are calling for more punishment. Though Evra has stated that he “does not think Luis Suarez is a racist” and Suarez issued a public apology to anyone who took offense to his actions, more turmoil seems to be kicking up regarding the situation. A video of Evra was released with the United left-back using a similar word in 2004, making the situation a bit awkward for the United staff. In recent weeks Liverpool had to issue an apology to Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi, who claimed he was subject of racial abuse from a group of fans during his side’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool at Anfield. The Reds have since moved to find and ban the fans involved, but it was an incident that the club did not need.
Among these events, however, there was football being played. For Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool, the month of January could mean a trip to Wembley for a Carling Cup Final and a statement to the Premier League of their intentions this season. Liverpool lost their 2012 opener 3-0 to a strong Manchester City side before cruising past Oldham in the FA Cup 5-1. With Steven Gerrard back, the Reds will go into their Carling Cup semi-final with a load of confidence. The Reds have the tie the way they like it, with the second-leg being played at Anfield. Among the two legs the Reds will also continue their quest for a fourth place finish, and the Reds will need to build up a bag of momentum if they are to complete their quest for silverware, and prepare for a clash of epic proportions thanks to yesterdays FA Cup fourth round draw.
The Reds were drawn against bitter rivals United in the fourth round, leaving the media drooling with anticipation. With everything that has happened over recent months, the clash holds more meaning than a typical fourth-round tie. Liverpool legend Alan Hansen said in his column on The Daily Telegraph,’The time has come for the negativity to stop with Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson needing to be at the forefront of moves to improve the relationship between the two clubs.”
Liverpool’s reputation may have been slightly tarnished with they way the Suarez-Evra saga was handled, but they have since moved to restore it. A winning January could help to restore that reputation. The Reds will have to be strong across three competitions if they are to stay on the road to their goals this campaign, and with the January transfer window open they will surely add firepower to help them achieve those goals.
Tags: Alan Hansen, Anfield, Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Man City, Man Utd, Patrice Evra, Sir Alex Ferguson, Steven Gerrard
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