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Posts Tagged ‘between-the-two’

• Relations currently strained between Liverpool and United
• John Terry could face Anton Ferdinand if Chelsea meet QPR

Manchester United and Liverpool will hold peace talks over the next few weeks after being paired together in an FA

• Talks had been mooted to improve relations after Suárez row
• ‘I do not see why there is any need for it,’ says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned the need for peace talks ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on 11 February.

Relations between the two clubs have been soured since the racism row between Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra began when the two sides last met in October. Liverpool’s attempts to defend their striker by questioning why Suárez’s word was being ignored in favour of Evra only served to exacerbate the situation.

Subsequently, Suárez was found guilty of making racist comments by an independent disciplinary commission and banned for eight matches. Yet even in accepting the punishment earlier this week, Liverpool – and Suárez – have avoided any suggestion of an apology to Evra.

United have said nothing on the matter, other than questioning the need for Liverpool’s statements in support of the Uruguayan prior to the disciplinary hearing. Privately they have been irritated by Liverpool’s stance, though, and Ferguson has played down the suggestion that discussions should be held between the two clubs before their next meeting, by which time Suárez will again be available.

“It is nice of them to do it through the press,” said Ferguson. “You would have thought they would come to Manchester United first.

“I do not see why there is any need for it. But I have nothing to say about it.”

Luis SuárezManchester UnitedLiverpoolguardian.co.uk

• Disciplinary case into claims against Suárez is under way
• Case set to last two days, with both players giving evidence

Luis Suárez’s disciplinary hearing for allegedly racially abusing Patrice Evra has begun in secrecy, the Guardian can reveal.

The case is expected to last two days, with Suárez and Evra both giving evidence to determine the chain of events that has led to the Liverpool striker facing a long ban if he is found guilty.

Evra claims that Suárez used a racist word “at least ten times” during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October. Suárez denies the allegations and has been given Liverpool’s full backing as he tries to overturn a case that threatens to have huge ramifications for the club’s season.

The hearing centres on a disputed version of what was said between the two players. Suárez has admitted words were exchanged but the Uruguayan’s defence is understood to focus on the nuances of the Spanish language and cultural differences, arguing that what he said would not be considered offensive for someone of his background in South America.

The complexities of the case have led the FA to look closely at the semantics issue and explain why the case is expected to take longer than usual.

Luis SuárezLiverpoolManchester UnitedDaniel Taylorguardian.co.uk