LONDON (AFP) – Sir Alex Ferguson branded Luis Suarez a “disgrace” as the racism feud between Manchester United and Liverpool exploded once more in a stormy Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Two goals from Wayne Rooney saw United score a 2-1 victory which sent the champions back to the top of the table, one point clear of Manchester City who face Aston Villa on Sunday.
But the result almost became a footnote to another acrimonious encounter between the two bitter rivals, with Suarez lighting the fuse before kick-off after refusing to shake United captain Patrice Evra’s hand.
Suarez’s pre-match snub came as he returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up for the first time since his eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra during the two clubs’ meeting at Anfield in October.
Evra later reportedly attempted to confront Suarez over the incident at half-time, sparking a melee in the tunnel which required the intervention of police and stewards.
A disgusted Ferguson lashed out at Suarez after the game, saying the Uruguayan had tarnished the reputation of Liverpool and should never play for the club again.
“I couldn’t believe it. I just could not believe it,” Ferguson said.
“I had a chat with Patrice this morning and he said he was going to shake his hand. He said ‘I have nothing to be ashamed of.’
“(Suarez) is a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club. He shouldn’t be allowed to play for Liverpool again.
“The history that club’s got, he could have caused a riot. It was terrible what he did. It was a terrible start to the game and it created a terrible atmosphere.”
Ferguson meanwhile said Evra was unwise to celebrate in front of Suarez at the final whistle. “He shouldn’t have done that,” Ferguson said.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish later insisted he had not seen the handshake snub but lost his cool with a television interviewer at the suggestion it had led to the half-time tunnel bust-up.
“I never knew he didn’t shake his hand. I will take your word for it. That is contrary to what I was told,” Dalglish said.
“It’s bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened today, how many bookings were there? The fans had a bit of banter,” added Dalglish, who later cancelled his post-match press conference.
United claimed all three points when Rooney struck twice in three minutes early in the second half.
The England striker volleyed in his first from close range on 47 minutes after Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson inadvertently flicked on a Ryan Giggs corner.
Rooney then made it 2-0 in the 50th minute after a Jay Spearing blunder let in Antonio Valencia.
United remained firmly in control for the remainder of the half but a lapse in concentration saw Suarez pull a goal back for Liverpool to set up a nervous final 10 minutes.
Liverpool substitute Charlie Adam swung a free-kick into the United box and when Ferdinand failed to clear, the ball fell invitingly to Suarez, who jabbed home from close range. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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