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Suarez makes return but Liverpool continue to misfire

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Phil McNulty | 08:05 UK time, Tuesday, 7 February 2012

At Anfield

Harry Redknapp could not make it but Fabio Capello did. Luis Suarez, the man all Liverpool supporters came to see, arrived late but still had enough time for another brush with authority and headlines.

The stories and sub-plots proved more intriguing than a match that failed to deliver on its promise of entertainment as Liverpool and Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw that did not serve the purposes of either side.

If England coach Capello was seeking a low profile away from his public disagreement with the Football Association over its decision to depose his captain John Terry, he failed to find it at Anfield.

Suarez had an opportunity to give Liverpool the lead but couldn't find a way past Brad Friedel with his header. Photo: Reuters

After proving far less communicative with the English media than he was with Italian television station RAI, making no comment whatsoever as he swept into Anfield, Capello arrived in the directors' box to be greeted by a battery of photographers with lenses trained on his every move.

And once the Italian had taken his seat, the cameras switched their attention to Suarez, back on duty as a substitute for Liverpool after a nine-game absence that covered misconduct for a gesture towards Fulham fans at Craven Cottage and being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

With Spurs boss Redknapp restricted to a night in front of his television after his flight to Merseyside failed to leave London's City Airport, it was not long before a match short on quality had Anfield calling for their hero Suarez.

The Uruguayan started the day by offering up a tweet announcing "Por Fin Llego El Dia!" - "Finally The Day Came". He ended it getting a reply from Wayne Rooney after a hefty kick to Scott Parker's midriff brought him a yellow card from referee Michael Oliver only three minutes after coming on as a 66th-minute substitute.

Rooney was on the case quickly and with a tone that may set the mood ahead of Liverpool and Suarez's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.

"If the ref sees that kick from Suarez and books him for it, it should be red" announced Rooney.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has never been slow to defend the forward and was also in defiant mood when he flatly refused to back away from his support for Suarez.

He once again cast public doubt on the FA's decision to punish Suarez when he said after the game: "It's fantastic to have him back. He should never have been out in the first place."

Not exactly acts of diplomacy from Rooney or Dalglish. It will not be a quiet Saturday lunchtime a short walk from Salford Quays.

Suarez is one of those figures who will have headlines as a companion throughout his career.

In a 24-minute cameo he announced his arrival by pinching the ball off Benoit Assou-Ekotto, flattened Parker with a wild swing of his foot that could have drawn a red card, railed against decisions from referee Oliver with some high-class theatrics and almost won the game - indeed should have won the game - with a late header he could only direct at Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Suarez may be high maintenance but Dalglish obviously believe he is worth it. Liverpool certainly need a touch of extra inspiration from somewhere after their eighth draw at Anfield in the Premier League this season.

Suarez has a dash of the unpredictable, the wild card, about everything he does. This has, and will, court controversy but he also has that match-winning capacity - although his finishing is not as reliable as it should be for a player of such natural gifts.

As so often this season, Liverpool had possession and fashioned chances but failed to take them. It may yet be a flaw that costs them a place in next season's Champions League.

Spurs may have to settle for that achievement as they nestle comfortably in third spot - seven points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea but seven points behind leaders Manchester City.

The pitch invasion of the cat was probably the highlight of a dull first half. Photo: Reuters

And yet, as Redknapp fulfilled his role as reluctant spectator, he will have found much value in the organisation, resilience and discipline demonstrated by his side. The old argument about being a soft touch on their travels has been redundant for years but there was still something illuminating about the way Spurs set up to contain Liverpool.

Indeed they could even have pilfered what would have been a fortuitous victory had Gareth Bale not been blocked by the legs of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina when clean through six minutes from time.

It was all watched, typically stone-faced, by Capello as he prepares to meet FA chairman David Bernstein in an attempt to mend some broken bridges later this week. And if he is training his thoughts on Euro 2012 as opposed to picking a fight with his paymasters, he will have found plenty to occupy his mind.

Scott Parker, a possible captain in the eyes of some, although Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is the firm favourite, worked tirelessly in midfield. He took the knocks from Suarez and dished a few out, particularly when he was booked for fouling Gerrard and was generally in the business-like mood that has transformed Capello's view and made him part of England's plans.

Gerrard himself was subdued but Glen Johnson performed well as an emergency left-back and Michael Dawson was a towering figure in Tottenham's defence, tackling with perfect timing and throwing his body on the line alongside the impeccable Ledley King.

Spurs may not win the title this season but they are a side of substance.

They were missing the attacking drive of Rafael van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe but still took a point at a difficult place.

There was a sense that the script was written for Suarez, back for the first time since Boxing Day, to make the decisive impact after his return from FA-imposed exile. But Liverpool's wastefulness and Spurs's refusal to yield denied Dalglish the ending he would have craved for his team and the player he treats with something akin to adoration.

Comments

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  • Comment number 1.

    Mind the cat. The biggest moment in last night's match.

  • Comment number 2.

    Little bit of Capelo, little bit of Suarez.. and I was wondering last night where you'd find material for this non event, Phil. I'm feeling for you. Great work. I tried to write about this match last night but I couldn't find more than 5 short sentences. My reserved congratulations!

  • Comment number 3.

    All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

  • Comment number 4.

    Cant believe what Kenny said.

  • Comment number 5.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 6.

    He didn't mean to kick Parker, it was down to cultural differences lost in translation.

    Football - Footbelly.

    And can anyone explain Dalglish's attitude to questions from the media ? He just comes over as so objectionable and dislikeable. Does he feel uncomfortable or under pressure or something ?

    Have Liverpool fans seen him more relaxed away from the questioning media ? I fear for the guy sometimes. Is this why he walked away last time ?

  • Comment number 7.

    And after watching suarez not look at the ball when he kicked Parker tells me it wasnt an accident, if it was he is awefully inaccurate with that right leg, the ball was about 3metres away. £22.5m for a player that is that inaccurate?

    Spurs should have won the match

  • Comment number 8.

    I really wish Kenny would just give up saying that Suarez should not have been banned. It was not something he should have defended him for in the first place, but it is over now - just let it go... And as for his yellow card, that sums the guy up. There's no way he expects to get the ball there (as if Parker is NOT going to head that ball in his own box, when he's planted underneath it waiting??) but Suarez is happy to take a full-blooded swing at Parker's guts all the same... What a class act the Liverpool fans have for their poster boy hey? At this rate, he'll end up slotting into the all-time Gents-11 alongside the ilk of Joey Barton, Dennis Wise and Duncan Ferguson.

  • Comment number 9.

    Suarez returned spitting and snarling, Carroll was constantly mouthing off at the ref when not lumbering around the pitch, distinct lack of quality from both sides...every time I see Liverpool now i'm sure their kit is morphing back towards the 80's red with yellow pin stripes.

    Adebeyor's gone back on holiday, Assou Ekotto had a shocker, Parker played well, Saha looked unthreatening...



    Eurghhhhhh.

  • Comment number 10.

    Well Kenny Dalglish continues to plead on Suarez's case. It has been going on for so long that it's not even dislikeable anymore, it's just plain embarrassing. No doubt liverpool fans will be bringing up the rooney elbow on mccarthy last year, yet they have conveniently forgotten rvp's elbow, and will now forget suarez's best impression of de jong in the world cup.

    Suffice to say, the appearance of "Patches" the cat was probably the most exciting scene in an otherwise fairly droll match.

  • Comment number 11.

    So, by most accounts, Liverpool SHOULD be visiting OT without their best striker and their best defender. But they're not.

    I do wish the refs would stop favouring Utd.

  • Comment number 12.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 13.

    Phil, you forgot to metion Suarez's eye gouge of Parker also, which would have gotten him sent off on a rugby pitch and should be a ban on a football pitch.



  • Comment number 14.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 15.

    I think the LFC PR machine has dealt with the whole situation poorly, but it makes me laugh (with dismay) how fans from other clubs jump on their high horses just for an excuse to put Liverpool down.

    Suarez has served his punishment (and hopefully learned his lesson) the matter should now be closed, and rival fans should remember no club is perfect. This is not a denial nor a justification, just common sense.

    As for the match, I thought Liverpool played Carroll for the sake of his confidence and as much as that is important, 3 points are more so. We should have started with Suarez and Bellamy up front.

  • Comment number 16.

    Suarez really is a nasty piece of work, not only was his kick at Parker intentional, he pushed him first and then swung his boot nowhere near the ball, but you failed to mention his eye gauging also on Scott Parker. A 12 month ban in rugby union, but will the FA do anything about it? Probably not but King Kenny will still moan and whinge about how everyone is against them and will continue to defend the indefensible.

  • Comment number 17.

    I actually switched the game off at half time. It was just typical of a big English Premier League match. All the build up, all the hype but lacks any real punch. Negative, tentative and defensive long ball football.

    If Tottenham had went out with an attacking mentality and set out Assuo-Ekotto and Bale to just attack Kelly at every oppertunity, they would have created more. Kelly is a poor mans Steve Finnan but without the attacking ability. He's a very poor footballer.

  • Comment number 18.

    I think it's fair to say that Mr Dalglish has bought a proud football club a long way from the days of Shankly, Paisley, and Fagin. The man ought to be charged with bringing the game into disrepute. Judging by the booing of Evra, he's dragged down what was one of the finest sets of supporters in the World, with him.

  • Comment number 19.

    Dalglish has once again stoked the fires of Suarez gate. He has accepted the ban, served it and should move on, stop making constant remarks which will incur further headlines. The whole episode has been a huge embarrasment and PR disaster and the lack of leadership from board level to staff has been plain to see.
    There are occasions when some battles need fighting but this one just needed to be accepted and making further comments just make you look and sound bitter. I don't think I have heard anyone outside LFC contest that the FA's decision.
    Moving onto the game, it was a decent 0-0 game, Liverpool as the home team were expected to make the furthest push for the goal but Tottenham defended magnificently and snuffed out any Liverpool threat. Thought, Walker, Dawson, Livermore had great games but the Man of the Match was clearly Parker who was brilliant. Honourable mention to Modric who was majestically stroking the ball around and will be on some big clubs radar in the summer.
    Spurs had better quality on the ball and were calm and controlled when in possession, but lacking a threat up front, whereas Liverpool were all huff and puff. Very similar to how United performed recently at Anfield, but we made two defensive errors.
    On a final note, the press keep touting Liverpools fans as knowledgable, well shouting for penalties when Dawson does a clean tackle and accusing/booing Bale for diving when he was being clattered shows poor knowledge to me.
    Hope United stuff Liverpool on Saturday and put them in their place (around 7th)!! ;-)

  • Comment number 20.

    I must say a word of praise for our cat, who was invited along for a trial as he jums better than Andy Carroll, is slightly quicker than Bellamy, defintely more attractive than Suarez and carries the same weight as Charlie Adam.

    When brought on, he outpaced Spurs midfield and rounded Brad Friedel easily.
    Unlike Suarez he doesn't kick opponents and his finishing is much better than Dirk Kuyt.

    Sign him up Kenny! We are very proud of him!

  • Comment number 21.

    Nice to see glen johnson put kyle walker in his place.

  • Comment number 22.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 23.

    Agree with the Dalglish comments above, and surprised it wasn't more of a focus of the article. Best avoided I guess (a bit like Dalglish) and better off talking about the football, what there was of it anyway.

    Whilst I agree with Rooney, he's no better than Dalglish in his comments on twitter - inciting more problems at the weekend no doubt. Where are the support teams of these guys in telling them to wind their necks in, shut up, and get on with the job.

    PS. There's a typo in the article - missing "s" off end of "believe".

  • Comment number 24.

    @18
    "Judging by the booing of Evra, he's dragged down what was one of the finest sets of supporters in the World, with him"

    Love this myth about Liverpool fans being the nicest, friendliest, loveable fans in the world. Liverpool fans made this myth up in the 80s and then ran with it repeatedly for so long some people started believing it.

    Then the media was filled entirely with ex Liverpool players and now we hear it everywhere what impeccable fans they are.

    Of course the reality these days is finally making everyone see sense. Zero class.

  • Comment number 25.

    I pretty dull match that was only made interesting by the dirty play of Liverpool both fans and players.

    There should of been two stone wall reds.

    1) Skrtel - Yes he made contact with the ball but it's by luck more than anything and the media don't give a sniff. It's rare you see such a wild challenge but he flew in there with his studs up, foot off the ground and only gets a yellow? it's madness. Worse than Kompanys tackle any day.

    2) Suarez - He never even looked at the ball and no one can deny that. The replays show it as clear as day. The ball was too high in the air for him to be trying for it with his foot. and yet another yellow.

    and then we get the constant laser pens being pointed at the Spurs players by Liverpool fans that didn't even get a mention except a brief "idiots" that could hardly be heard.

    Liverpool hasn't change. The team hasn't changed and the fans haven't. Still as dirty and unprofessional of the lot with the exception of a few of the vets.

    Hell, it comes off Suarez's hand and he begins shouting for handball!! WHAT!.

  • Comment number 26.

    The game itself was a non-event and was a stark contrast to the exciting matches played out over the weekend. As for Dalglish he has always come across as rude and obnoxious with the media even back from his playing days. His comments were another faux-pas in a season of many for this annoying man and his club. Does this game continually need to be dragged through the gutter like this?

  • Comment number 27.

    The Suárez ''kick'' on Parker was clearly accidental. Luis is an honest pro, and he wouldn't have done that maliciously.

    I'm sure I'm not the only one who is getting sick of seeing Scott Parker writhing around on the floor after the slightest of contact.

    First he was on the ground clutching his head after Balotelli barely brushed Parker's hair with his studs, and now, after a slight tap on his stomach from Suárez's boot, he's rolling around like he's been shot.

    Sort it out, Scott.

  • Comment number 28.

    A blog about Liverpool with a little bit of Spurs, and yet again a majority of comments on here are from Manchester United fanboys.

    Dearie Me

  • Comment number 29.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 30.

    Actually there was one entertaining point, the entrance of a spitting, snarling, biting animal onto the pitch...

    ...oh yeah, and the cat!

    Dalglish comments are embarassing, it's like saying "it's the end of the matter, we should forget about it but I'm still right and you're still wrong, nerr nerr nee nerr nerr"

  • Comment number 31.

    If you'd asked me yesterday morning if I could have any less respect for Kenny Dalglish I'd have said no. How wrong I was.

  • Comment number 32.

    Looks like Spurs are a few signings short of a title challenge.

  • Comment number 33.

    Why has this Suarez kick on Parker been swept under the carpet? He's not even looking where the ball is, and he's no where near it when he kicks out! Blatant red card! What is wrong with the guy? He's way too charged up on a pitch, out of control, and he has a manager in denial constantly blaming everyone else. He'll be sent off at Old Trafford

  • Comment number 34.

    #33

    "He'll be sent off at Old Trafford"

    Of course he will. I'm expecting Ferguson to give Howard Webb another run out after his excellent effort for the team on Sunday.

  • Comment number 35.

    As a Spurs fan - with no particular axe to grind - I nonetheless find the behaviour of Dalglish to be quite astonishing. Give him a go on Defend the Indefensible on Fighting Talk, he'd win every week.

  • Comment number 36.

    Can't Dalglish draw a line underneath the Suarez-Evra incident?

    He made a mess of things during the whole thing and now when its over, he is still doing it in his interviews/comments.

    They had the chance of appeal but they decided against appealing.

    So move on!

    Definitely looked deliberate to me by Suarez. The eye gouge too.

    Can't help himself can he

    ---

    Just like against United, Liverpool's best moments of penetrations against Spurs was long balls to Carroll. For all their ground possession, Liverpool couldn't really do much with it.

    ---

    Rooney, you maybe right but shush will you!

  • Comment number 37.

    And the craziest thing about the suarez kick is Gerrard comes over and starts shouting at Parker to get up! Have a word with your own players, Gerrard!

  • Comment number 38.

    I would not go as far as to say that Suarez should of been sent off but he certainly could of been.

    As for the match itself; poor entertainment.

    The visitors arrived with limited ambition - and got what they came for - while the hosts were motivated more by the fear of losing than the desire to win.

    Neither side deserved to win but if one had to, it should have been Liverpool. Overall nil - nil was about right.

  • Comment number 39.

    @34

    "Of course he will. I'm expecting Ferguson to give Howard Webb another run out after his excellent effort for the team on Sunday."

    Are you actually defending his kick on Parker? what match did you see because he shoves Parker, take's a quick glance at the ball (which is well above Parkers head), looks down directly at Parkers check and then kick him.

    Are you deluded?

  • Comment number 40.

    #34, the ref did Liverpool a huge favour and spared Suarez massive embarrassment last night. How can that be a booking but not a red?

  • Comment number 41.

    I think a lot of people on here need to give up supporting football and start watching Netball or something with no contact. Yes Skrtl's challenge was a tough one but it was one footed and took the ball, it was no worse than the one scott parker got booked for on Gerrard. Infact Parker quite often makes similar challenges but the Media choose not to see them.

    Also if Suarez had dived the way Bale did then the world and his friend would be calling him a cheat but once again all we get is how amazing Bale is.

    I do believe Kenny should move on but no one is going to be allowed to do so until after the Utd match. Hopefully once that is over a line can be drawn under the whole situation and everyone can move on to damning John Terry.

    Also the Suarez kick on Parker! All i can say is he is a very lucky and I have no idea what he was doing.

  • Comment number 42.

    27.
    At 09:39 7th Feb 2012, The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa wrote:

    Luis is an honest pro

    ________________________________________________________________







  • Comment number 43.

    rooney probably shouldn't be commenting, but suarez should have been sent off for violent conduct. carroll screamed "hello mods off" at the ref every decision that went against him but wasn't (and won't be) punished. dalglish really doesn't get that his comments come across as condoning racism. a match that "failed to deliver on its promose of entertainment"? it never made any such promise. the only thing you could predict was that bale would be on the end of a few studs up challenges.

  • Comment number 44.

    As for the game, I was very disappointed in Spurs. If they are serious about winning titles, they have to try to win these games, never settle for a 0-0.

  • Comment number 45.

    #39 #40

    When have I referred to last night's match?? I didn't

    You said he would get sent off at OT, to which I agreed. I don't see why you're both throwing your Ferguson teddy bears out of your prams.

  • Comment number 46.

    In all honesty this is all getting quite boring now. Whatever the arguments, whether Suarez was guilty or not, he has served an eight match ban as punishment and is now trying to get on with playing. It is surely time for the English media to get on with writing blogs which are actually related to football.

  • Comment number 47.

    Why is everyone so obsessed with moaning about Suarez... if the ref thought it was not a red thats the end right ? I did notice however no one moaning about Bale raising his hands which should be a red right or is that different because hes a "nice" player.

  • Comment number 48.

    The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa - you are either having a laugh or are on strong medication, which one is it?

  • Comment number 49.

    Boring match but the comments afterwards will certainly not help things come the weekend! Can't believe that Dalglish has made the comments he has purely for the fact that it's going to make the atmosphere even worse. I don't think there's anyway that Suarez is going to escape a shed load of abuse if he is at Old TRafford.

    It's nice to see Rooney's comments though as I don't think enough pros are considering a life as a ref in their later life!

  • Comment number 50.

    Dalglish is just a Joke

  • Comment number 51.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 52.

    49.At 09:51 7th Feb 2012, Thrashball wrote:

    I thought Rooney was already an assitant ref ;-)

  • Comment number 53.

    All this berating of Suarez... when Parker is such an angel. Four times he came off his feet to assault Liverpool players in poorly disguised "tackles".

    And let's not forget Bale's theatrics. First diving, then after rightly being called for it by Skrtle, leaping to his feet and trying to grab him by the throat. Result? A yellow card for simulation. Consistant refereeing again.

    Carrol yelling at the ref? Well, let's see how you'd feel to be trying to jump for a cross, and suddenly find yourself bent double with Dawson firmly planted between your shoulder blades?

    Neither side were completely innocent. Adam should have got some sort of card for kicking Krancjar 3 feet into the air early in the first half, and was fortunate to last the full 90 minutes.

    About the ONLY moment of genuine sportsmanship was Adebayor treading on Bellamy, and instead of chasing the loose ball, stopping to check he hadn't caused his former City teammate any real harm. Bellamy, also, taking it as a genuine accident, enough that they were still chatting and joking about it just prior to the start of the second half.

  • Comment number 54.

    #45, because you talk about the ref being on United's team, and yet last night a ref clearly gave suarez a break and saved his embarrassment. If Suarez gets sent off, it will probably be because he's done something stupid

  • Comment number 55.

    @Bl0u3178

    How can you blame the media when Suarez's own manager won't let it lie? The comment last night was completely unprovoked and inflammatory. Remarkable how he appealed for calm and good behaviour before the Anfield match, but is more than happy to stoke the flames ahead of a trip to OT. Horrid little man.

  • Comment number 56.

    When can we hear about the 'classy pro' cats in La Liga Patches? Enough of these 'Sky Sports milk' lapping home-grown moggies...

  • Comment number 57.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 58.

    I used to enjoy football. now it is all prima donna players trying to wind each other up and whinging managers. :(

  • Comment number 59.

    Well, not every game can be a 3-3 thriller or a 7-1 thrashing. After a pretty good weekend of football, we were overdue a dull 0-0.

  • Comment number 60.

    After the High scoring controversial Chelsea vs Man U game, we were all expecting another thriller here... but no.

    People are taking these issues a little too far, Everyone has the right to their own opinion, so Dalguish has the right to defend his thoughts, on my part, i think that football has lost character, i do not condone racism in any way, but if we were to hang on to every word and action that happen on the pitch and in the stadium.. there would be no place left for the football itself. so get over it, shake hands, and get on with the GAME!

  • Comment number 61.

    Surprised that no-one has mentioned the outrageous dive from Bale , that really was pathetic.
    If it had been Suarez the posters here would be mentioning it until the end of the season.

  • Comment number 62.

    Another disgraceful piece of behaviour from Suarez. It's blatantly obvious that he is an angry young man incapable of accepting his punishment and moving on. A lot of footballers will now be on at him every game, trying to rile him .... and it will work ...

    However talented he may be, on occasions ..... his attitude and mentality is past questionable. Like Tevez, English football and England as a whole, does not need the type of example he gives to the impressionable youth. Hopefully, he will also dislike living in the North of England and move abroad as soon as possible...

  • Comment number 63.

    #54

    Come on, be honest. Webb loves United. I don't think I've ever been so confident of a player being sent off at OT as I am about Suarez on Saturday.

  • Comment number 64.

    The signs at Liverpool brightly proclaimed "Kick Racism out of Football" while Dalgleish and the fans screamed their support for someone who admits using a racist term. Hypocrisy?
    I wonder how Dalgleish would have reacted to (let's say) Modric using the word Suarez admitted, on (say) Glenn Johnson? Fury? Demands for a long ban? Yep.

    Last week, the Liverpool fans booed Patrice Evra throughout the match. Why? Exactly what did Evra do wrong, apart from disliking a term of racial abuse directed at him?
    However innocent Suarez, Dalgleish and Liverpool fans believe him to be, it might have been an idea to let the matter drop. But no, Dalgleish had to keep the fire going. Smart move with the Old Trafford match just a few days away.
    That'll help to kick racism out of football, Kenny, as well as ensuring the game is played and supported in the right spirit.

  • Comment number 65.

    A few points - isn't it really about time Mr Daglish stopped moaning about Suarez's 8 week ban or should the FA charge him with bringing the game into disrepute? Just how long does he have to carp on about it before something is done? Does he condone racism or does he feel that he has to 'protect his players' no matter what they have done as he did when complaining about Skrtel's booking for a bad challenge on Bale - oh, and while we are speaking about Skrtel didn't anyone else see his foot up around the chest of Friedel from Gerrard's free kick? Having been booked already he was lucky to get away with that one.

    Suarez probably deserved only a yellow card although he could have received a red as his kick across Parker's stomach seemed silly and clumsy rather than malicious.

    And finally, the law of the land says people are innocent until proven guilty. I am totally against racism and do think that John Terry has a few things to answer for - and by the way did you notice over the weekend how most footballers now speak to each other with their hands over their mouths, obviously under instructions from their respective managers - but tell me just how many Politicians will immediately resign their posts if they are accused of some misdemeanor? I agree with Capello, Terry has been judged before his trial and it's not the right thing to have happened.

  • Comment number 66.

    49.
    At 09:51 7th Feb 2012, Thrashball wrote:

    Can't believe that Dalglish has made the comments he has purely for the fact that it's going to make the atmosphere even worse.

    It's nice to see Rooney's comments though
    ____________________________________

    Hypocritical to say the least !

  • Comment number 67.

    Phil, do you actually have a duty of care in what you write - this blog is obviously only going to bring out the 2 extremes from the Suarez affair, it will get lower and lower and the insults will fly.

    The hypocrisy from the media about Kenny not letting it go, when every other article or question since his ban has been about Suarez, is laughable - everybody has their agendas.

    Nothing said about Bale and how he should have seen red, Simulation and raised hands = at least 2 yellows....but i guess if you're Sky's current golden boy, that doesn't warrant the column inches

  • Comment number 68.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 69.

    Spurs turned the game into a bore-fest with their ultra defensive approach.

    It's a shame they turned up so scared, but having seen their bench I can understand why.

    Suarez to score the winner at Old Trafford ;o)

  • Comment number 70.

    Earlier comments from Sitheblue - wonder who you support!! What makes me laugh is that the Mancs are running scared - they are desperate for Suarez not to play at all because they cannot cope with him when he does - If KD backs his man thats his opinion - dont for one minute think that Alex Ferguson wouldnt have backed EVRA if the boot was on the other foot!! There is a saying that there is no smoke without fire - if EVRA did not have a part to play in that whole incident I would be amazed - wise up! Lastly, JT case not being heard until after Euro's is disgusting - one set of rules for LFC another for everyone else it seems, case shoudl have been heard immediately - FA stands for Failed Again!!!

  • Comment number 71.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 72.

    If the FA truly believe Luis Suarez is guilty then surely they now have to charge Kenny Dalglish with bringing the game into disrepute?

    The fact that even after the ban has been served he still moans about how unjust it was is an utter disgrace, especially considering they had an opportunity to appeal.

  • Comment number 73.

    Blogs that descend into parochial squabbling and petty, partisan point-scoring between Liverpool and Manchester United fans about the little Suárez/Evra contretemps never get boring and repetitive.

  • Comment number 74.

    27.At 09:39 7th Feb 2012, The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa - Very droll. One of your better comments. Made me chuckle.

    The game was terrible with 2 teams lacking imagination and the desire to go and win it. It is unlike Tottenham to play like that although absences may have played a part in that but Liverpool are very one dimensional and lack any urgency when attacking. It is so predictable and slow and it is clear why they have only won 4 at home. It appears easy to set a team up to keep them out as they lack the class to do anything about it. Still, at leasy the cat livened it up!

  • Comment number 75.

    17.At 09:30 7th Feb 2012, Heskeys_wonderful_stepovers wrote:
    ______________

    Any suggestions of signings as a replacement for kelly??

  • Comment number 76.

    53.At 09:52 7th Feb 2012, Rob Smiley wrote:
    all your comments are viod, as when the liverpool players do this to united or chelsea or spurs for that matter all you guys can do is point fingers, your team is a disgrace, this seasonhas shown its true mentality, suarez doesnt deserve to be a pro footballer and as for andy carroll he's anything but a pro footballer!!!

  • Comment number 77.

    #68

    "he's a disgusting person"

    It's this attitude that, as a neutral, makes me really want to see Suarez score in front of the Stretford End on Saturday.

    You need to get a grip mate

  • Comment number 78.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 79.

    Being found guilty in a kangaroo court means nothing, you show me hard evidence and i'll bow before you.

    Balance of probablilty is no way to deal with a persons livlihood and future, I would have been happier if the CPS had dealt with it.

  • Comment number 80.

    27.At 09:39 7th Feb 2012, The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa wrote:
    ____________

    Why are you condemning parker's actions when busquets does the exact same?? If modric would run up to the referee waving an imaginary yellow card in tandem to parker writhing about, it would be "vintage barcelona".

  • Comment number 81.

    #63. I hope he does pull through and send Suarez off, and give United a couple more penalties. Hopefully it's enough to convince Suarez he's had his time in the prem, now it's time to move on

  • Comment number 82.

    The cat gave in and allowed ityself to be trapped by a fairly slow-moving steward.

    Patches has probably just come back from a ban for being mice-ist and Dogleash still thinks he did nothing wrong.
    "I don't know why you're so obsessed with my cat. He was just doing what he was told to."

  • Comment number 83.

    68.
    At 09:58 7th Feb 2012, King Red wrote:

    as it seems no one else is allowed to dive except for slippy soles Suarez and starfish steveie.
    _______________________________

    You forgot about Wellbeck on Sunday and Bale last night.

  • Comment number 84.

    Liverpool played well enough, just no first time urgency, Knock it about , a lesson in passing maybe, but the ball keeps going sideways. Like he on the ball is frightened to miss and gives the reponsibility to the next guy. It is a ball, not a grenade, run at the defense, hit it . Passing looks great but goals look better. Carrol lacks turning speed and is just too slow. Crouch was twice the player he is.

  • Comment number 85.

    lol at all this fake outrage at Suarez.

    The guy has passion, it's good to see.

  • Comment number 86.

    79.
    At 10:04 7th Feb 2012, whatwillbewillbe wrote:

    you show me hard evidence and i'll bow before you.
    _____________________________________________________________________



    There's 115 pages there. Speak to you some time this afternoon, yeh?

  • Comment number 87.

    @Kanchelskis_Legend

    I was not excusing what Dalglish said, in fact I think it was a stupid statement to make, Liverpool as a club have not dealt with the sitaution the way I would like, my comment was related to Luis Suarez in particular I was pointing out that this blog and the newpapers that I have read this morning are all focussing solely on Suarez as though that is all there is in the world of football to talk about.

    I blame some of the media for regurgitating the same stories week after week and for not having anything original to say, which is breeding negativity and a blame culture in to English football.

  • Comment number 88.

    I think the best thing about the whole article Phil worte is that Rooney tweeted that it should be a red card.

    Mr Rooney people in glass houses should not throw stones!!!!!

    I have only seen a picture on the eye gouging so if anyone has a link to a video I would be very happy to see it, but the FA can't charge him as they have set a precedent when they let crouch off.

  • Comment number 89.

    #46 - The blog is written with KD/Suarez comments because it shows what the manager said and continues to believe. This is in contrast to the content of the FA investigation which found KD to be culpable in the manipulation of statements to try and find a defense for the indefensible. The journalist is asking the questions because he knows the facts - you want him to shut up because you are embarrassed about the facts. This is not a good reason to ask the blogger to stop. I think that the blog is serving a good purpose, to get rid of hypocrisy and racism in sport. That's what I want too... how about you?

    #67 - Kenny needs to say that he accepts the punishment - instead he continues to defend it leading to further questions... stop me if I am typing too fast for you.

  • Comment number 90.

    73.At 10:00 7th Feb 2012, The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa wrote:
    _______________

    Did you enjoy the match last night Patches? What on earth made you feel the need to run onto the pitch and disrupt the game?

  • Comment number 91.

    I blame some of the media for regurgitating the same stories week after week
    =


    They're called Liverpool press conferences and it was Dalglish repeating himself week after week! Ably backed up by a disastrous PR campaign from the club on the website

  • Comment number 92.

    A disappointing match for the neutrals after the Chelsea v Man Utd goalfest, but a very satisfying one for Spurs. Lots of bottle and defensive organization against a committed but directionless Liverpool. I think the various comments about Suarez are over the top. clearly he was busting a gut to get back into the action but I really don't believe the kick on Parker was intentional, clumsy and over eager but not malicious. However the Skertl tackle on Bale was very nasty and shin high and in my view borderline red card. Liverpool definitely went out there to rough Bale up. Yes he jumped over the Agger tackle, but Agger was trying to do what Skertl achieved. At least 5-6 Liverpool players not top class and in need of change. I fancy they'll miss out on a top four place.

  • Comment number 93.

    Sadly most supporters who read the red tops will never see any other view than the one they are spoon fed, whether not intelligent enough or having the will to look at the full picture, it doesn't fit with how they want to see the world.

    A well known chief football writer suggested that the term John Terry was seen to use wasn't even racist - how can we expect readers and viewers who swallow what these journalists have to say, react any differently.

    Welcome to enlightened Britain 2012 - its a beautiful place.

  • Comment number 94.

    88

    The FA isn't a court of law, they don't need to follow 'precedent' principle.

    Inconsistency is what they do best!

  • Comment number 95.

    The thing about Suarez is that he's used to this winter break now - after all he got a substantial ban in Holland for biting his opponent.

    Neither Rooney or Dalglish have helped the situation for Staurday and in the week of the Munich disaster, i think Saturday will be a terrible event.

    I think Suarez will start.

  • Comment number 96.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 97.

    88.At 10:08 7th Feb 2012, clummers wrote:
    ____________

    Well there was outrage and talks of a man utd conspiracy after rooney didn't get a ban for mccarthy's elbow, and yet here we are, rvp doesn't receive a ban for an elbow on cuellar, and suarez will no doubt be scott free to play next week either. Yet fans will still be complaining about the rooney incident more than a year ago.

  • Comment number 98.

    Wow, a Man U and former Everton player thought the Liverpool player should have been sent off and yet the Spurs assistant manager who was actually there didn't, and look what makes all the headlines!!

  • Comment number 99.

    PHIL

    Lousy game-I thought one of my six cats had signed for Liverpool 1st half.

    Thankfully, no.

    Dalglish is beyond a joke whining on about the Suarez ban-if you thought he wasn't guilty, why didn't you appeal, then, you silly little man? Either put up or shut up, and please stop dragging your club further into the gutter.

    As for the Suarez kick-simple, if it's a kick, Phil, on a football field, as per Wayne Rooney for England, IT IS A RED CARD OFFENCE-VIOLENT CONDUCT. Kicking is not a mis-timed tackle, it's a kick.

    So it will be interesting to see if the referee's report mentions what he saw or thought he saw, and if the FA ask him to look at it again.

  • Comment number 100.

    again all about lfc, not that spurs have a cheat in there team in bale who wasnt even touched by agger but wanted a free kick...

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