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It was set to be quelled with a handshake. The few months of agony was set to be put behind us all. Football was supposed our focus. At Old Trafford February 11th, one of Liverpool’s prized assets future came under heavy scrutiny.
When Luis Suarez “refused” to shake Patrice Evra’s hand during the pre-match ceremony, the world was watching, and so was the media. It was just what some journalists had hoped for, a bit of controversy to keep the ball rolling on this racism saga. After Ian Ayre, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez all released statement’s, many believed it was the club’s £20 million a year shirt sponsor that forced the move, though those rumors have been played down. Real Madrid was rumored to have pondered a move during the Uruguayan’s suspension, and could still test Liverpool’s resolve in the summer. The question is, however, will owner John Henry be willing to let one of the club’s best assets go in order to clear the club’s name?
To many, it’s highly unlikely. Liverpool would rather see their No. 7 clear his name through football and repair the image of a club tarnished by the handling of the Suarez-Evra incident. The statements released by Ayre, Dalglish and Suarez was welcomed by Manchester United and seen as a major step forward to drawing a line under the situation. The club do not want to sell, though it is unknown whether or not the striker will face sanctions from the club. The Reds will not ostracise the Uruguayan and give him the chance to make amends.
“Suarez now has to make sure that, from this point on, we are only talking about his football and the good things he brings to Liverpool and the Premier League,” Liverpool legend Alan Hansen told the Liverpool Echo. “But he is such a good player; one who brings so much quality to the Liverpool team, that there is no way that the club will get rid of him.
“What has happened this weekend has brought an unwanted spotlight on Suarez and Liverpool, but it really is time to move on.”
Tags: Alan Hansen, Anfield, Barclays premier league highlights, Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool, Old Trafford, Patrice Evra, Standard Chartered
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