Topic: Luis Suarez - FA guilty charge and LFC Statement (*)

[redrockydennis]

Careful therer mate. Suarez DID say something that COULD cause offence. It wasn't a false accusation.

Not if you understand Spanish, and the conversation was in Spanish, unless evra only knows enough spanish to insult someone, which wouldn't surprise me, and has thereby got the wrong end of the stick, when luis replied in Spanish.

Bloody hell almost giving evra benefit of the doubt there.

[MichaelA]

What are you basing your opinions on?

He was basing his opinions on the fact that he was a bluenosed WUM. He's no longer with us.

[alfonso]

What were the mancs singing about Suarez at Fulham?

[sideshowme]

Perhaps this (if true) alludes to the word 'negrito' being used. Suarez may assume that the South Americans at Man U - both players there now, like Hernandez who has used the word in public already (see his twitter) or past players, like Tevez who was supposedly good friends with Evra - use the word in training, when they're together... etc.

i don't think it's much of a leap of logic to assume that south american players playing for rival teams have more in common with fellow south americans on the opposing team than many of their own teammates, and thus they no doubt socialise.  suarez hangs out with lucas, who hangs out with his old gremio teammate anderson, who hangs out with the da silvas and valencia, or whatever.  it's certainly not inconceivable that suarez would have had first hand conversations with united's south americans about one of their 'difficult' teammates...

[TepidT2O]

Of course, an organisation close to our owners, so still no sign that any independent source is gonna have the courage to speak out.

It does make a couple of excellent points though.

Firstly:

The contradiction calls into question the severity of the punishment the commission leveled against Suarez. How, in a clear case like Mackie's, can the FA ban a player for eight games, and give the same punishment to a more nuanced case? The FA must publish the evidence to answer this question.

At the moment, we dont know if the decision is:

1.  Suarez used the worst kind of racist insult imaginable and therefore has been given the maximum sentence.  ie no-one will ever get MORE than 8 matches for a first offence.

2.  Suarez used a mild insult, but it was aggravated by reference to race.  Therefore he has been given the minimum sentence.  ie no-one will ever get LESS than 8 matches for a first offence.

3.  Somewhere in the middle.


Secondly, in discussing a different issue (Evra's alleged comments), they post a reminder that:

... FA rule E3(1) ... prohibits abusive words. ...

The next section of the rule states that the aggravating factor warrants "a sanction that is double that which the Regulatory Commission would have applied had the aggravating factor not been present."

So the offence is only committed if
(i) there is some abuse AND THEN
(ii) the abuse includes a reference to race.

Reports (which may be inaccurate) say the phrase used by Suarez was "porque, negro?"

If that is true, then where is the abuse?

ie LFC/Suarez defence is [according to reports which may be inaccurate] that "negro" is not race specific.  Fair enough.

BUT even if the defence is rejected, and the word is deemed to be race specific, then that, in itself, would not be a breach of the rule.  How are the written reasons going to explain why they have FIRST OF ALL decided that the term is one of abuse, and then SECOND OF ALL concluded that there is an aggravating racial factor.



In either case, are they saying that if Suarez had said "Why, you bastard?" (instead of "porque, negro"), he would have got a 4 game ban?

I think though that the most significant point has been ignored.

There is clearly a dispute over what has been said.  I'm not sure this is as clear as Negrito.

The clubs statement clearly questions Evra's efficacy as a witness and the fact there were no other witnesses to hear what Evra claims was said.  Luis clearly denies what Evra claimed here....


For me, this is likely to be the killer point, and one that seems largely ignored.




On the question of the sentence, clearly no context has been used to determine the sentence.  If Negrito is the term used, then a grey area has been treated the same as the foulest abuse.... Actually, the only other case we've seen was from about three years ago, was very clear and highly offensive and got a 4 game ban.

[sideshowme]

When we appeal, hope we do a compilation of Evra's antics during the match

...ideally to Yakety Sax...

[Liverbird 2010]

What were the mancs singing about Suarez at Fulham?

Racist bastard to his song.

[MichaelA]

Total car crash in this thread.

[royhendo]

And "Justice for Evra".

[Zlen]

And "Justice for Evra".

My oh my..

[MassDriver]

And "Justice for Evra".

small time c*nts.

[royhendo]

Andy Heaton mentioned something along those lines on The Anfield Wrap, and pointed to Maddock distancing himself (and criticising) the headline on the back page. He mentioned another paper too but can't remember which one.

The Star mate.

Maddock squandered any support he had near the club with that article.

[emitime]

And "Justice for Evra".

Glad to see they agree with us... They are on about a 10+ game ban for use of 'sudaca' right?

[peterb17]

The Star mate.

Maddock squandered any support he had near the club with that article.

Maddock should be banned from Anfield and Melwood see how he does his job then. The man U reporters are terrified of Ferguson banning them and make sure any article is favourable to them. Maddock and the other Merseyside reporters should know which side their bread is buttered on

[Zeb]

The Star mate.

Maddock squandered any support he had near the club with that article.

Much obliged sir. It did astonish me that they led with those headlines and those pieces in spite of the club statement which clearly sets out why this isn't a 'Suarez is a racist' decision, so a reaction by the club like this is perfectly understandable. Harsh on Reade though if it's for the entire paper.

re. the Ferguson thing. Those Guardian quotes sound like he's trying to defuse situation - referencing the Evra case which has gone down in Manc folklore as one of the great injustices? Odd one. Cautiously and respectfully suggest that Ferguson was going for diving but is having to handle something which he never intended after that match. He's the chance to really put the boot in and fan the flames a bit more, but he's backing down. That's odd if this were another front on the old rivalry. Honestly think this one isn't and the respect between the two men would prevent that kind of thing. Any particular reason for thinking otherwise? (Even the Manc leaks were coming from a source who isn't best loved by Ferguson which was odd).

[eirwen]

Can 'negrito' be racist or not? The past few days I've seen Spanish speakers saying it's definitely not, while some say it can be said to friends, but definitely not to strangers or someone you don't know well. I've heard some Uruguayans say it's like 'mate', while some say they would never say it to someone who is not a friend.

The whole thing is turning into such a joke. Until the FA release the evidence, we can't even argue anything because we don't know yet.

[Nazi Dickhead]

And "Justice for Evra".

I have bitten my tongue on this for a while now and I am usually such a calm person around this time of year but dear me did this make my blood boil. Think they need some fucking perspective.

Tired of this whole situation which is clearly more bullshit leaking from the corrupt F.A  arse hole (mouth) trying to make an Anti Racist point by slandering someone who is not a racist. And fucking whiskey nose can keep his useless fucking mouth shut as well.

LFC, one of the most successful English clubs of all time beings slandered left right and centre from being a team and a family. We are not about to accept these ridiculous claims, bend over and take it up the arse like some other fickle clubs with a gazzilion £ would do.

You'll Never walk alone is something this club stands for as a family and will not be broken because the F.A say so. Every single person connected with this club in that way is and always will be 100% behind Suarez.

Merry Christmas all

(Except the F.A and the mancs, you can all suck a dogs cock you dirty corrupt wankers.)

(( too much... na ))

[royhendo]

Just the "I'm happy with the way I run my club" comment mate. The subtext (re the t-shirts and statement) being that Kenny ought not to be. The barbs are there IMO, but it's just my own view.

Kenny will have him if it escalates into more rareified territory. He has the sharper intellect.

Anyway, not sure re the club - all I suspect is that those who have always stuck up for Maddock are hard pressed to do so now. It was that disgusting.

[Red Mouse]

Sorry if this has been posted but the media bias towards Terry is staggering

The picture that shows the caring side of John Terry as he poses in Hamleys with a black baby

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2078170/The-picture-shows-caring-John-Terry-poses-Hamleys-black-baby.html#ixzz1hRax7Pe6

[Jagged Princess]

Much obliged sir. It did astonish me that they led with those headlines and those pieces in spite of the club statement which clearly sets out why this isn't a 'Suarez is a racist' decision, so a reaction by the club like this is perfectly understandable. Harsh on Reade though if it's for the entire paper.

re. the Ferguson thing. Those Guardian quotes sound like he's trying to defuse situation - referencing the Evra case which has gone down in Manc folklore as one of the great injustices? Odd one. Cautiously and respectfully suggest that Ferguson was going for diving but is having to handle something which he never intended after that match. He's the chance to really put the boot in and fan the flames a bit more, but he's backing down. That's odd if this were another front on the old rivalry. Honestly think this one isn't and the respect between the two men would prevent that kind of thing. Any particular reason for thinking otherwise? (Even the Manc leaks were coming from a source who isn't best loved by Ferguson which was odd).

It would be interesting to know who started the 'spat' between the two and if it did include Evra using a rather derogatory term?

Re: Ferguson, he's too quiet on every front, I know both sides have been told to make no comment but when has that ever stopped him before. 

[NealFrom25Yards]

Brian Reade finally comments:

Why Liverpool must draw clean line under Suarez row or risk soiling the club's name
Published 21:03 23/12/11

Around now it's customary to hand out jokey awards based on events in the past footballing year.

But after such a year, and particularly such an ending, jokes are out.

For weeks the game has struggled to come to terms with Gary Speed hanging himself. Before that it struggled to understand how Carlos Tevez could refuse to get off the bench and earn his £225,000-a-week, or how other multi-millionaires were allowed to buy injunctions which kept themselves above the law.

The World Cup bidding process stank of the same corruption that FIFA's top officials were found guilty of, and the words of Sepp Blatter, John Terry and Luis Suarez have evoked a national debate over racism.

The words used by all three may not be the same but they have created the context in which each has been judged.

Terry's comments cannot be discussed, other than to say he protests his innocence, but the global coverage given to the allegations against England's captain were no doubt in Blatter's mind when he bizarrely argued that a player who is racially abused should shrug it off by shaking the hand of his abuser.

Those words hardly caused a ripple of concern outside these shores. But in England, partly due to simmering anger towards Blatter, they evoked a hurricane of contempt. There was shock and disbelief that the head of world football could send out such a flippant response to an issue that scars humanity.

And they were undoubtedly behind the FA's unprecedented eight-match ban handed out to Suarez for "using offensive language" to Patrice Evra "that included an inappropriate reference to a person's colour."

Suarez denies he is a racist. Indeed the FA in their judgement and Evra in his statement do not accuse him of being one. His case states that he unknowingly used a word which is acceptable in Uruguay but not in Britain. The independent panel's almost impossible task was to decide whether ignorance is a defence. They decided it wasn't. And in the cold light of the present day they had little choice.

The rage from Anfield over the eight-game ban is understandable. They believe Suarez has not only been scapegoated but the unprecedented punishment makes it look like he's committed the worst act of racism ever heard on an English football pitch. Which he didn't.

But the truth is, he used the word "negro" to a black player who reported it to the FA. And he admitted it, before pleading cultural ignorance of its significance. In any other year that may have earned him a suspended sentence and a hefty fine. But following its ascent to the moral high-ground in condemning Blatter, English football was never going to leave itself open to charges of hypocrisy on this subject.

Especially with the country's captain facing criminal charges. Had Terry been found guilty sooner and dealt with, he would have been made the example of. As it turns out Suarez got there first and is taking the rap. Terry's may be coming down the line.

The Suarez case is an incredibly complex one to pass judgment on, and until the full report of proceedings is published, we don't know if it contains facts which support Liverpool's or the FA's stance. But Liverpool, in their rage, have to tread carefully.

To reject outright that Suarez used an unacceptable word, even through ignorance, is to let down a proud tradition of zero-tolerance against racism that goes back to the days when John Barnes faced it on a weekly basis.

It leaves the club open to the charge that they don't believe the time has come for football to turn its anti-racist slogans into unequivocal actions.

Appeal to clear Suarez's name by all means, but drop the protest shirts and the siege mentality, because the issue is far too sensitive, and the club's reputation far too precious, for such an aggressive stance.

The scale of Suarez's punishment may seem unduly large but Liverpool FC, football and how we treat fellow human beings, is bigger than it.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Liverpool-must-draw-clean-line-under-Luis-Suarez-row-or-risk-soiling-the-club-s-name-article845934.html

 

[No666]

Sorry if this has been posted but the media bias towards Terry is staggering

The picture that shows the caring side of John Terry as he poses in Hamleys with a black baby

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2078170/The-picture-shows-caring-John-Terry-poses-Hamleys-black-baby.html#ixzz1hRax7Pe6

Guardian had a photo of him yesterday with a disabled fan. [Presumably one whose parking bay he didn't steal.] You couldn't make it up.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Listening to one of the radio stations yesterday, this seems to be the latest line of attack.  Now they're saying that he has been found guilty, and anyone who now defends him is condoning racism.

On that basis, we should scrap all tiers of appeal in our justice system.

No bench of magistrates has ever made a mistake.  No Crown Court jury has ever been wrong.


In days gone by, this fallacious argument was used re supporters of the Guildford 4 and Birmingham 6.

Anyone who claimed those guys were innocent were (according to the media) condoning terrorism.

The important issue is that such a claim is illogical.  If you say "my friend did not do X", then obviously you are a million miles away from saying "I am glad that my friend did X".  These are polar opposites.

But the fact that the Guildford 4 and Birmingham 6 were eventually acquitted, and compensated, gives some comfort too.

It's obvious that the media are clubbing together.

I have never bought the 'Conspiracy' theories. There is no global evil conspiracy with 'Cigarette Smoking Men' shuffling around, secret meetings and money changing hands. The idea of that is ludicrous.

However you do have a man that has been in a top position in football for over two decades who holds immense influence and power within the game. Additionally he is a Knight of the Realm which adds to his power within the game. You just have to see his regular 'Mind games' whenever his feather get ruffled and you have to see the corresponding actions by various media outlets when he wants to get his point across. It is obvious that many in the FA are shit scared of him and it is equally obvious given the abuse they get that many officials in the game have to be very, very sure to give a decision against his side in error - lest they be hung out to dry by him and his cronies in the media.

This whole campaign started in a usual fashion for this man against the Club which he detests. And then he's gone on to have his usual go's. He's picked on individual players before for 'the way they act on the pitch' - usually some act that one or more of his players regularly perform themselves without a mention in the media he holds such sway in. A casual think about 'diving' for instance and 'serial diving' in particular would easily bring about memories of Nistelrooy, Beckham, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Nani, Young and the list goes on.

There is no conspiracy. Just a fucking bitter twat that hated Liverpool FC from the off. Stated it clearly and obviously and then has done year in year out since he's been in the job.

I was quite surprised his comments regarding the fans cutting out the shite and being more at one. I viewed it with some trepidation. Usually, in the past, whenever he has come out with a comment like this, somethnig obvious he'd engineered with his chums down the media offices was about to pass. Look at previous instances with 'threats' like Wenger, Benitez, Mourinho and others that 'got too close for comfort' to his all encompassing 'greatness'. So I wondered what he was up to - in the same way whenever he says something actually decent to the press for a change he's always up to something.

And then this news broke. All throughout he gave press conferences effectively planting the idea that Liverpool FC should accept their medicine and should NOT say anything about it. This has since been echoed in the media from all sides and all quarters. He gave press conferences commenting on this case and the situation and then ironically during these 'chats' with his mates from the media he kept saying that he was saying nothing about what was going on (While talking about what was going on) - classic doublespeak from the man that is the master of the subject. Now he comes out and says he thinks the punishment was 'correct' (Wrecking a mans career and forcing him in a fury of bile and hatred from the English League). If anyone has read 1984 by George Orwell then the way Ferguson double speaks about many subjects, lies about others and then unexpectedly tells the truth randomly to throw people off - he'd make a fine villain.

The sad thing is that he's just as transparent today as he was 25 years ago when he was spitting venom against LFC. He really fucking hates us. I'm not sure why? He has said many times that he 'respects' the Liverpool FC fans (While having a go at Manchester United fans regularly). I think he is upset that even with everything he's won and everything he's done in the sport, so many Liverpool fans just see him for what he is - a backstabbing, cowardly toad of a man that says whatever he can to derail opponents and get them on-side to his advantage. And that sums him up - anything he can do at any time within and without the game to give his side an advantage over the rest. There is nothing he wouldn't sink to and there is nothing he wouldn't say.

But it's not just Liverpool fans that hate his guts. Go to lower level league games right down to the conference and they can't stand the man. He's a despicable excuse for a human being. He's your typical bullying snitch at school. He'd get your dinner money, but if someone stood up to him - he'd be off to the teacher to whine like a girl and 'get them into trouble'.

But his pet FA, the media and indeed himself are surprised by the ferocity of Liverpool FCs defence. Even their latest idea of branding every single Liverpool fan that defends Suarez as a racist is funny in it's own right. Is a lack of justice and what is right suddenly something that Liverpool fans or other fans shouldn't insist on? Has the FA been 'fair' are the media 'right'. The whole explosive and embarrasing outburst from the media tells its own tale. They are desperately trying to convince the world that Liverpool fans are Evil (But let's face it these fuckers have been doing that for decades now. They fucking hate the City and have been doing it down for decades and they hate the people in the City - just look at the bigoted twats all over the country and their shithouse views).

There is no conspiracy. There is no tinfoil hats required. Just a bitter old man with too much influence in a sport and too many cowards willing and ready to do his bidding. A word here, a pat on the head there, a shake of the hand and a smile there. That's all you need when you've been there longer than anyone else at the top of any sport.

[pcch7]

Don´t know if it´s posted, I went back a couple of pages and checker but here we go.. I´m sure the FA will be glad to hear.

Manchester United boss Mr. Ferguson is pleased with the eight-match ban handed to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

Ferguson says football was right to punish Luis Suarez for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

Boss Fergie said: "Our support of Patrice was obvious, right from the word go and that's still the same.

""The matter is over and I think we're satisfied they've found the right decision." "

Liverpool striker Suarez was handed an eight-game ban by the FA.

Ferguson was also quick to prevent the situation escalating into a United-Liverpool club war.

He said: "It's not about Manchester United and Liverpool. It's an individual situation where a person was racially abused."


To late for that now you fucking git.

[callanlfc5times]

Brian Reade finally comments:

 

So basically he is saying ignorance isn't a defence for Suarez, whilst failing to realise he and The FA and everyone else is showing a complete ignorance of a different culture/country/language with that piece and view point, good one.

[Jay797]

This.

Evra is obviously paranoid of his own skin colour!

Bingo!!
My thoughts exactly.

[ArcticRed]

Brian Reade finally comments:

 

This is supposed to be one of "our" guys?

alright, then...

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Brian Reade finally comments:

 

Sums him up for me. I've never liked him. I know he's "A season ticket holder" and blah blah blah. And he's done some good pieces on the club in the past, but you can't work for a disgraceful organisation like the Mirror without playing their tune and being held in their sway. Like Maddock I personally wouldn't have him down as a reporter I'd ever want to read.

[Fordy]

What were the mancs singing about Suarez at Fulham?

Who cares?

[wet echo]

It's obvious that the media are clubbing together.

I have never bought the 'Conspiracy' theories. There is no global evil conspiracy with 'Cigarette Smoking Men' shuffling around, secret meetings and money changing hands. The idea of that is ludicrous.

However you do have a man that has been in a top position in football for over two decades who holds immense influence and power within the game. Additionally he is a Knight of the Realm which adds to his power within the game. You just have to see his regular 'Mind games' whenever his feather get ruffled and you have to see the corresponding actions by various media outlets when he wants to get his point across. It is obvious that many in the FA are shit scared of him and it is equally obvious given the abuse they get that many officials in the game have to be very, very sure to give a decision against his side in error - lest they be hung out to dry by him and his cronies in the media.

This whole campaign started in a usual fashion for this man against the Club which he detests. And then he's gone on to have his usual go's. He's picked on individual players before for 'the way they act on the pitch' - usually some act that one or more of his players regularly perform themselves without a mention in the media he holds such sway in. A casual think about 'diving' for instance and 'serial diving' in particular would easily bring about memories of Nistelrooy, Beckham, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Nani, Young and the list goes on.

There is no conspiracy. Just a fucking bitter twat that hated Liverpool FC from the off. Stated it clearly and obviously and then has done year in year out since he's been in the job.

I was quite surprised his comments regarding the fans cutting out the shite and being more at one. I viewed it with some trepidation. Usually, in the past, whenever he has come out with a comment like this, somethnig obvious he'd engineered with his chums down the media offices was about to pass. Look at previous instances with 'threats' like Wenger, Benitez, Mourinho and others that 'got too close for comfort' to his all encompassing 'greatness'. So I wondered what he was up to - in the same way whenever he says something actually decent to the press for a change he's always up to something.

And then this news broke. All throughout he gave press conferences effectively planting the idea that Liverpool FC should accept their medicine and should NOT say anything about it. This has since been echoed in the media from all sides and all quarters. He gave press conferences commenting on this case and the situation and then ironically during these 'chats' with his mates from the media he kept saying that he was saying nothing about what was going on (While talking about what was going on) - classic doublespeak from the man that is the master of the subject. Now he comes out and says he thinks the punishment was 'correct' (Wrecking a mans career and forcing him in a fury of bile and hatred from the English League). If anyone has read 1984 by George Orwell then the way Ferguson double speaks about many subjects, lies about others and then unexpectedly tells the truth randomly to throw people off - he'd make a fine villain.

The sad thing is that he's just as transparent today as he was 25 years ago when he was spitting venom against LFC. He really fucking hates us. I'm not sure why? He has said many times that he 'respects' the Liverpool FC fans (While having a go at Manchester United fans regularly). I think he is upset that even with everything he's won and everything he's done in the sport, so many Liverpool fans just see him for what he is - a backstabbing, cowardly toad of a man that says whatever he can to derail opponents and get them on-side to his advantage. And that sums him up - anything he can do at any time within and without the game to give his side an advantage over the rest. There is nothing he wouldn't sink to and there is nothing he wouldn't say.

But it's not just Liverpool fans that hate his guts. Go to lower level league games right down to the conference and they can't stand the man. He's a despicable excuse for a human being. He's your typical bullying snitch at school. He'd get your dinner money, but if someone stood up to him - he'd be off to the teacher to whine like a girl and 'get them into trouble'.

But his pet FA, the media and indeed himself are surprised by the ferocity of Liverpool FCs defence. Even their latest idea of branding every single Liverpool fan that defends Suarez as a racist is funny in it's own right. Is a lack of justice and what is right suddenly something that Liverpool fans or other fans shouldn't insist on? Has the FA been 'fair' are the media 'right'. The whole explosive and embarrasing outburst from the media tells its own tale. They are desperately trying to convince the world that Liverpool fans are Evil (But let's face it these fuckers have been doing that for decades now. They fucking hate the City and have been doing it down for decades and they hate the people in the City - just look at the bigoted twats all over the country and their shithouse views).

There is no conspiracy. There is no tinfoil hats required. Just a bitter old man with too much influence in a sport and too many cowards willing and ready to do his bidding. A word here, a pat on the head there, a shake of the hand and a smile there. That's all you need when you've been there longer than anyone else at the top of any sport.

  what a post andy son what a post.....remember what roy keane said about fergies maxim,"power and control".

[MikaelLFC]

I'm happy for them, they at last have another song to sing about us it's been a while since they had a new one. It's good for them to experiment and to learn new words.

Haha, you've got point mate.

[Camarero25]

So basically he is saying ignorance isn't a defence for Suarez, whilst failing to realise he and The FA and everyone else is showing a complete ignorance of a different culture/country/language with that piece and view point, good one.

Not to mention the fact he's somehow got the case notes before everyone else, as he declares with certainty that Suarez used the word "negro".

[Fruity]

Can 'negrito' be racist or not? The past few days I've seen Spanish speakers saying it's definitely not, while some say it can be said to friends, but definitely not to strangers or someone you don't know well. I've heard some Uruguayans say it's like 'mate', while some say they would never say it to someone who is not a friend.

The whole thing is turning into such a joke. Until the FA release the evidence, we can't even argue anything because we don't know yet.

According to wiki in certain spanish speaking countries its more offensive than others. Some don't use the word as much. I guess it depends on which spanish speaking country you are from and where you have learn't your spanish.

[It's Jimmy Corkhill]

So basically he is saying ignorance isn't a defence for Suarez, whilst failing to realise he and The FA and everyone else is showing a complete ignorance of a different culture/country/language with that piece and view point, good one.

Correct.

Ignorance isn't a defence - unless you're English and from the FA, evidently. Ignorance of everything outside these fucking shores earns you a fat paycheck and an arse-kissing from the Govan tramp.

Fucking joke.

[Lord Roger Hunt]

Sums him up for me. I've never liked him. I know he's "A season ticket holder" and blah blah blah. And he's done some good pieces on the club in the past, but you can't work for a disgraceful organisation like the Mirror without playing their tune and being held in their sway. Like Maddock I personally wouldn't have him down as a reporter I'd ever want to read.

And he has his facts wrong.

Luis cannot 'appeal to clear his name', if he appeals, it means  that he's accepting the finding that he racially abused Evra (and not doubt be branded a racist forever) but arguing that the sentence was too severe.

The issues and consequencial damage to both Luis and LFC are too great, too important, to allow a mickey mouse Appeal Tribunal to deal with it.

The sooner this matter is escalated to a proper Court, before a senior Judge, the better.

Bearing in mind  the furore caused worldwide, it is certainly warranted.   

[Pistolero]

A suprisingly shit article by Brian Reade that...

[MikaelLFC]

Bravo Andy, bravo!

[Andy @ Allerton!]

A suprisingly shit article by Brian Reade that...

Not really. Just one of many. He'll be under strict instructions to toe the Mirror party line.

If it were me I'd ban the Mirror, Guardian, S*n (Obviously), Star, Daily Mail and the BBC from Anfield.

None of them have any business being let in at this present time.

[smicer07]

Pretty awful article by Reade there. Very ignorant.

[Lord Roger Hunt]

Not really. Just one of many. He'll be under strict instructions to toe the Mirror party line.

If it were me I'd ban the Mirror, Guardian, S*n (Obviously), Star, Daily Mail and the BBC from Anfield.

None of them have any business being let in at this present time.

Ha ha! Merry Christmas Andy!