Liverpool criticised for wearing Suarez T-shirts

Liverpool have been criticised by a section of black footballers after they wore t-shirts supporting Suarez prior to their match against Wigan Athletic yesterday. Suarez was found guilty of using a racist remark against Patric Evra by the FA and as a result, he was handed a massive eight match ban.

Liverpool, who have vowed to support Suarez all the way, wore t-shirts with the Uruguayan’s picture sketched on it during the warm up session before taking on Wigan, However, that decision has appeared to have backfire, with criticism being coming from several people.

Ex-Newcastle player Olivier Bernard was quoted by Sky Sports: “I really didn’t think it was fine to wear the T-shirts. I can understand the club’s side of it, but in society we can’t accept racism and give support to a player who has used racist words.

“It’s not okay to use racist language and the message they sent out yesterday was a bit wrong. I don’t mind them giving support to Mr Suárez, but I just think it’s a bit wrong to wear the T-shirt because that means they have allowed racist language. I just don’t understand it.”

Two other famous football figures expressed their dissatisfaction through social networking side twitter. Former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath claimed that he was ‘sad’ to see the Liverpool players showcase that particular outfit.

“As an ex-footballer having experienced racist comments throughout my career I was saddened to see Liverpool players wear those t-shirts last night,” McGrath said on Twitter.

Blackburn Rovers forward Jason Roberts was also uneasy after witnessing the act. He said: “The stance on the Suarez issue from LFC has bemused me. Are United going to print Evra shirts now? Some issues are bigger than football.”

Nonetheless, Kenny Dalglish did not see anything wrong in showing their support to Suarez. He was also clad in that t-shirt and insisted that the sight of everyone showing their support to Suarez was a heartening one.

“I think the boys showed their respect and admiration for Luis with wearing the T-shirts. It is a great reflection of the man as a character, a person and a footballer that the boys have been so supportive and so have the supporters.

“He has earned that. He deserves it and we will always stand beside him. They will not divide the football club, no matter how hard they try.”