Share

Dalglish: We're not racists

London - Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insisted on Monday that it is "utterly rubbish" to suggest that defending Luis Suarez against racism accusations showed the club is not interested in fighting racism.

The Uruguay striker is serving an eight-match ban for repeatedly racially abusing Patrice Evra during a match and has been criticised for failing to apologise to the Manchester United defender.

Liverpool were condemned by anti-racism groups for resolutely backing Suarez and allowing the squad and Dalglish to wear T-shirts featuring Suarez's picture in a show of solidarity ahead of a match.

After facing weeks of criticism, Dalglish has issued a statement on the club website to say that the Reds "don't want racism anywhere near football."

"Over the past few weeks there has been a perception that the football club isn't doing what it should be doing (to fight racism), but I don't think the football club would ever go down that road," Dalglish said. "We will always support the official campaigns related to racism. Obviously there was a big issue with Luis.

"The players showed support for Luis which was fantastic, but then some people interpreted that wrongly as the players saying they're not interested in the fight against racism. That is totally and utterly rubbish."

Liverpool's attempts to move on from the Suarez case have been hampered by another racism investigation involving the club.

Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi was reduced to tears by insults from Liverpool fans during Friday's 5-1 loss at Anfield in the FA Cup and had to be comforted by team-mates and opposing players.

Police have arrested a 20-year-old man from the Liverpool area on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He was released on police bail on Sunday pending further inquiries.

"The person who shouted whatever he shouted at Tom that upset him, if we can help the police find out who it is and he gets charged, then whatever we can do to make the punishment as severe as it could be will be done," Dalglish said.

A year after returning to the manager's job after 20 years, Dalglish insisted that Liverpool would not be one of the world's most popular clubs if it had failed to help combat racism.

"I can guarantee to the supporters out there that there is no way I would have come back to this football club if I thought it was in any way, shape or form racist or discriminatory," the 60-year-old Scot said. "I wouldn't be here."

Preparations have already begun at Liverpool for the first visit of United since Suarez's confrontation with Evra in October during a Premier League match.

The northwest rivals were drawn together on Sunday to meet in the fourth round of the FA Cup on the weekend of January 28 and 29.

"There were definitely a few raised eyebrows from everyone after that draw," Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said Monday. "With all that's gone on, people will talk about it and talk about it but I think the most important thing for us is to make sure that we make it a great day and a great game.

"We need to make sure that we all work together to make sure that everybody concentrates on the excitement of the football and the FA Cup and not on anything else."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE