Liverpool football club are undoubtedly a huge club. International fan base, numerous football honours and an unrivalled history. Their eccentric managers, their infamous Kop atmosphere and their world renowned anthem all encompass a football club unique in every right.
But it’s not all being a bed of roses for the Merseyside outfit. The disasters of Heysel and Hillsborough among the darkest days in the clubs existence. The subsequent war of words and continuous refusal of the Sun newspaper in the North West create a somewhat “us against the world” attitude amongst fans and players alike.
But when it comes to the ugly words of racism – they got this one terribly wrong.
Luis Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and was on the receiving end of a £40,000 fine and an 8 match ban. According to his own testimony he used a word that is not frowned upon in his native Uruguay but will have a rather different meaning here in Western Europe. Firstly, he isn’t living or applying his trade in South America anymore. He was in Holland for four years and is accustomed to our western ways. As an asylum seeking immigrant is expected to embrace the laws and cultures of the land, a multi-million pound footballer should not be exempt from the same.
Liverpool initially responded to the allegations by refusing to conduct an internal investigation to really find out what happened during the Anfield tie back in October. The ignorance and further negligence shown by the club to truly discover what was said by all parties was astounding.
They then release a statement announcing their full backing of their Uruguayan prize possession regardless of the findings of the formal investigation carried out by Independent Regulatory Commission of The FA. Again, a two fingered gesture to the governing body perhaps, but much more than that to the wider social monster of racism.
Liverpool’s actions have completely denounced any work to stamp out racism within the realms of football. I question the players who have so often sported tee shirts supporting the “kick it out” campaign, who then fully condone the actions of their fellow player. I also pose the question to the club itself, would there be such a widespread show of support if a fringe player on the verge of leaving the club in January had made similar remarks? Or are the club simply too scared of upsetting their major investment in Luis Suarez?
The Liverpool players warmed up for their Premier League game with Wigan in tee shirts depicting a very lavish picture of their number 7. Looking like eleven lads waiting at the check in desk on their 18-30’s Uruguayan holiday, the players toed the Liverpool hierarchy line.
This was not the end of the calamitous decisions. Manager Kenny Dalglish proceeds to accuse the F.A of trying to “break up Liverpool Football Club”. Tasteless and thoughtless, they were slowly turning the racism issue into an “us against the world” circus act.
Liverpool sympathisers state that it nowhere says that Suarez was racist. I give you F.A rule E3(2) from the investigation: “The insulting words used by Mr. Suarez included a reference to Mr. Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2)”. Liverpool fans will dress the situation up and refuse to acknowledge they have a racist player but putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t give you Marilyn Monroe. In the cold light of day, Suarez through the use of words racially abused a fellow professional. Whatever way you look at it, he was guilty and if he had done the same on the street, he would have done well to be able to walk away.
Liverpool’s refusal to open their eyes to what happened, acknowledge their players disgraceful behavior and implement their subsequent punishment has shown a club to be as prestigious as theirs, to be a self righteous and ignorant outfit.
Liverpool were wrong on so many aspects and could and should have managed the situation much better. As it stands they have lost the respect of many people within football as they continue to revel in their internal glorification of the ugliest aspect of humanity. Racism.
Dale Moon
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