It’ seems that the suspension that the Football Association (the FA) levied against Liverpool’s striker Luis Suarez did not have the desired effect and the Suarez-Evra hostilities burst into the open once again last week. Recall that in December 2011, the Football Association suspended Suarez for eight games and fined him £40,000 for allegedly hurling racist insults at Manchester United’s defender Patrice Evra. At the time, the FA’s statement said that:
“Mr. Suarez used insulting words towards Mr.Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1); The insulting words used by Mr. Suarez included a reference to Mr. Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2); Mr. Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000.”
This past Saturday the hostilities between Suarez and Evra continued and it all started even before Phil Dowd, the referee in charge of theLiverpoolv. Manchester United game, had a chance to blow his first whistle.
During normal pre-game ceremonies, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand and, not surprisingly, Evra reacted angrily by violently yanking passing Suarez’s arm. Seemingly unperturbed, Suarez continued down the Manchester United players’ line, shaking their hands. However, when Suarez got down to Rio Ferdinand and attempted to shake his hand, Ferdinand refused and withdrew his hand.
The hostilities did not end with Mr. Dowd’s final whistle either. Indeed, when the game ended, with Manchester United bagging a win and three points, Evra wasted no time and almost immediately ran in front of exiting from the field Suarez and began enthusiastically and tauntingly celebrating his team’s victory, motioning to fans and inciting them to join him in the celebrations. At this point, Evra’s excessive celebrations forced Mr. Dowd to step in and he pulled Evra aside stopping his behavior.
There appears to be little doubt in our minds that the FA will take further action against both Suarez and Evra. The only question remaining is what that punishment will be. What do you think the FA should do here? Suspensions? Fines? Both or Neither? Let us know.
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