With Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suárez and Liverpool Football Club now failing to see why one man calling another “negro” on the pitch is a matter worth of an apology it is clear to see their reputation is declining rapidly. Liverpool have gone from a historic and respected football club to a club that even fails to condemn a racial slur due to blind loyalty.
Just before Christmas here on this fine footballing corner of the internet, The Oval Log, I posted a piece claiming “Liverpool Have Lost the Plot on Evra/Suárez”. It got quite a bit of attention and there were many comments as something like that tends to receive. Vindication is nice but now let’s begin the second and (amazing-twist-not-withstanding) final part of this whole debacle.
Even in light of a very thorough report by the FA’s independent commission it seems that Liverpool haven’t moved on from there. Liverpool still has emphatically not admitted to any wrongdoing on their, or more importantly, their player’s part. Patrice Evra is no doubt still awaiting an apology for being racially abused and then terribly slandered by what should be a “professional” football club.
An apology from the club and from Suárez to Evra would surely have killed the story and meant the club and player could start to move on and draw a line under everything. Yet they still refuse to even admit that one player calling another a “negro” is wrong. It’s something that deserves further scorning from all corners of football and beyond.
After Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat away to Manchester City last night at the press conference Kenny Dalglish seems to have perfectly summed up the childish logic that the club has shown since this entire fiasco started soon after the 1-1 draw back in October.
Firstly he says that linguist experts will say that it is “perfectly acceptable” in Uruguay for this to say. Interesting considering the linguistic experts at the hearing said that although in some circumstances it can be seen as acceptable when there is confrontation going on it certainly is not. Especially when you are not in Uruguay – this is something he should have be told by Liverpool management a long time ago.
Liverpool also claim there are things that were said at the hearing there were not in the report. A remarkable accusation and yet if they continue not to pursue such ideas then they will simply come off as having made it all up. It now serves as the only real straw they can grab hold of.
Included in that Kenny Dalglish’s support for himself and the squad wearing t-shirts in support of Suárez before the Wigan game in spite of the fact they were supporting someone who they knew had racially abused another player.
The club most also desist in claiming that it is a matter of “one player’s word against another” something that is clearly untrue. We now for a fact that Suárez admitted to using the word “negro” once – the only claim where it is one man’s word against another is that Evra claims he used the word several times more. The extra racial abuse is something Luis Suárez has not been punished for.
Liverpool’s futile attempts at disagreeing with the verdict and continuing to place themselves as victims in the most surprising of ways is only going to aggravate the entire situation. They have taken the lead in something their fans will most likely continue on in more unpleasant ways.
Indeed their failure to appeal despite the fact they are so “innocent” is perhaps the most obvious proof of guilt. After all of this Liverpool need to find a way to dig themselves out of the abyss of a hole that they have dug themselves in if they even can. There is no “Justice for Suárez” because he simply doesn’t deserve it.
What next for Liverpool? A grand firing of their PR team would be a start and perhaps some of their law team too. Suárez should be given a slap on the wrist from the club and everyone involved, Dalglish included, should so even smallest bit of humility and apologise. Even if in fact they don’t mean it – they should at least show that racist remarks on the pitch are unacceptable all of the time and try and restore the club’s prior reputation.
The Oval Log 
Varun
January 4, 2012
Let’s be clear man!!!!! Do you know better than Dalglish and representatives of LFC what happened in this case??? Are you god??? And does a criminal say sorry after being punished by law for killing someone??? Let’s be logical, don’t let that freedom of writing nonsense on the net get to your head!!!! Don’t think you an “enfant terrible” and that you know everything…
Richard Cole
January 4, 2012
So you’re saying he shouldn’t say sorry because he’s guilty?
JC
January 4, 2012
neeeeeext!!! shit article!! first of, he said: “calmate negrito” “calm down blackie” , after that french cunt was all on his face!!! negro, is black, what the fuck was he supposed to call him “coloured”, “brown” “chocolate”?? COME ON SUAREZ YNWA!
Richard Cole
January 4, 2012
How about not referring to someone by the colour of their skin?
artigas cruz
January 4, 2012
you are a goof. you fat bashhhtard.
RednRed
January 4, 2012
And why the F not?, whites, blacks, yellows, what’s the difference, you can me whitey, if you want, why should I take offence?. The UK has gone absolutily BONKERS!.
artigas cruz
January 4, 2012
i guess man u is full of indians and like that curry crap the stadium must be a real smelly place…funny how when i see the stands iy have no money. lol. see no blacks, oops the
DonniLFC
January 4, 2012
Why is calling a person black worse then talking about your sisters pussy?.
Very disappointed in the way this has been handled.
Both players should of been banned.
Nicky B
January 4, 2012
As a Liverpool fan of 41 years, I am forced to agree with Mr. Cole. We have condoned a racist insult. The world looks on us as cavemen. We are a shame to ourselves and to the world of football. Forget that it was Evra, forget that it was Man U. One of our players racially abused a black man. On the day that Stephen Lawrence’s murderes have started their sentences let’s, for God’s sake, try and drag ourselves into the 21st century. Or else carry on being apologists for bigotry. Our choice, guys, what’s it to be?
Richard Cole
January 4, 2012
Very glad to read comments like that!
Nicky B
January 4, 2012
You’re welcome. There are more of us than you think. Perhaps we are less vociferous but we are there. Remember that saying, all it takes for evil to thrive…
RednRed
January 4, 2012
Stop masquerading as a Liverpool fan, YOU are NOT one of us, YOU are full of MANURE!!!
Nicky B
January 4, 2012
If only life was that simple, if only there was no such thing as ambivalence, if only all our players were saints and all our opponents were sinners. You are allowed to love your club and condemn them when they do the wrong thing. It’s not us against them, it’s us against ourselves. We are in the wrong. We are condoing racism. A black guy does not have to be a saint to expect protection from racial insult. Just because Evra is unpopular doesn’t mean he should be racially abused, or that we should condone or applaud it. Where will it end? Are we going down the road of reminding Mark Walters what it was like when he played at Rangers?
MikeG
January 4, 2012
now, now… be careful your headline is not translated to be racially offensive. Alluding to someone as ‘Tarnished’ may result in your blog being shut down by an independent and impartial web server!
Steve
January 4, 2012
As an when it suites…
A black comedian is allowed to say,
“When you born, you’re pink.
When you grow up, you’re white.
When you sick, you’re green.
When you go out in the sun, you’re red.
When you get cold, you’re go blue.
When you get scared, you’re yellow.
And When you die, you’re purple.
And you got the cheek to call me coloured.”
dac
January 4, 2012
Get your facts right!
JC
January 4, 2012
RICHARD COLE IS A CUNT
dac
January 4, 2012
Fuck off Nicky B!!!!!
Steve
January 4, 2012
Links to Man Utd web pages..
I’m going to forward this link to Liverpool FC unless it is taken down before 3pm.
Have you any knowledge of the libel laws of this country?
JC
January 4, 2012
MATE I WAS GONNA DO THE SAME, YEAH POST IT ON THE LFC SITE!!
PS; EVRA IS A CUNT!
JC
January 4, 2012
just realized that r cole is a fucking manc, mate u better take this fucking blog now u sexy boy!!
ray
January 4, 2012
Shame News of the World no longer with us – you would have been a Superstar with them – Do you know what Evra said to Suarez ????????????
Richard Cole
January 4, 2012
Yes, he called him a “South American” (in English).
Nicky B
January 4, 2012
I gather Mr. Cole is being derided as being from Manchester. If this is true, what a pity it takes someone from “the other side” to hand us our consciences. Let’s all move to Glasgow and really get our secterian juices going…
artigas cruz
January 4, 2012
the difference is that us south americans Uruguayans we are proud to be and proud of being white.
Banksy
January 4, 2012
This is not justice. How can a man be found guilty based on probibility, this would not happen in court law. You can;t find a man guilty of murder or rape or any other crime based on probibility. How can you say at the end of your report” we don’t think Mr Suarez is a racist” and that the so called victim “dose not think him a racist” and then punish him as if he is. The result on this mans life, his reputation and the effect on his family is massive. It’s like a judge saying I don’t think this man is a rapist and his alleged victim does not think he is a rapist, however we are going to find him guilty and send him to prison anyway! This is an insult to justice in this country. Mr Suarez can’t even get anyone to defend him or stand up for him as they will be accused of racism. I am sure that someone like you would be quite happy to see Suarez flogged in public then hung, if you think this is going to improve race relations in this country you are mistaken. No firm evidence, no wittnesses no conclusive vidio evidence, but found guilty on probibility. Why don’t we have verdicts like this in a court of law, because it is not justice!
Nicky B
January 4, 2012
FYI – balance of probablity would be sufficient in a civil court case.
FYI (II) read the report. The Commission was clear on putting the onus on the FA to prove the case. Just read page 66 – 77 and see for yourself. The deconstruction of Suarez’s testimony is forensic and impossible to deny. Just read it!
alanclark1872
January 4, 2012
I agree with everything Richard, except the part where you say Liverpool should have informed him that using the word in the UK wasn’t acceptable. When a football club signs a player it is not their duty to go down a list of unacceptable words to use to their opponents, because where would it end?
Banksy
January 4, 2012
You miss the point. This is nothing more than a witch hunt, there are people hell bent on getting the maximum punishment delt out to Suarez regardless. I thought this country was a fair and just country, what I have seen happen to Suarez has made me sick. People who have a point to prove don’t give a dam about him his family nothing. As I said why don’t you take him out in the middle of Wembely and after people have stopped throwing shit at him, slowly execute him, say strip the skin from his body and hang him from a mast at the top of Wembley. Will that make you happy!
Nicky B
January 4, 2012
Read the report. Start with the bottom of Pg 66 and carry on until 77. There’s enough there to give anyone pause for thought. As for all that torture stuff you mention, get real! This isn’t a witch hunt, it is a forensic dismantling of a very implausible story from Suarez. You don’t believe me? 66-77. I dare you!
Banksy
January 4, 2012
Nicky B. I have read it. Nothing in this has been proven, this would not stand up in a court of law. Ok lets take all of this out the way, what would make some one like you happy, what would shut you up. Do want Suarez punished even more, what would satisfy you. This is not justice, it is the public humiliation of a man who may or may not have done something wrong. I thought I lived in country that was forgiving and understanding, not judgemental and unforgiving. Go on then Nicky, tell us just what would make you happy!
Banksy
January 4, 2012
I see there is no reply from Nicky B to my last comment, I didn’t think there would be.
Nicky B
January 5, 2012
Thank you for your thoughtful and measured reply, Mr. Banksy. I am sorry to disappoint you but “someone like me” won’t be shut up just because you object to my beliefs (a privilege of the “understanding” country we both love so much).
The answer to your question, “”what would make me happy?” here’s a thought: the fundamental admission by club, manager and player, that abusing someone through the medium of their flesh is morally repugnant and that it cannot and will not be condoned, and that we are, in this instance, guilty of such, and shoulf apologise humbly and recognise our full part in the furore. Playing for Manchester United does not give a Liverpool player permission to racially abuse him. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Banksy, the balance of probabilities argument would be sufficient in a civil case and would definitely stand up in court. Don’t let your hatred of Man U blind you to the sad truth of this; one of our boys racially abused a black man. Happy?
Steve
January 5, 2012
Why refer to him as a south american at all if it wasn’t meant to be disparaging?
Banksy
January 5, 2012
There you go again Nicky B, where in anything I have written did I say I hated Man Unt. That just proves my point, you now have labled me a person who hates Man Unt. Why have you said this? I have given not said anything against Man Unt, I have not even mentioned Man Unt. However you lable me a Man Unt hater, did use the “in all probability” therory in your judgement of me. You also presume I am a Liverpool supporter, why? Is there anything in what I have said that leads you to believe I support Liverpool. No, just your own predjudice against Liverpool. In stead of being so judgemental of people, I think you should look at youself first.
Nicky B
January 5, 2012
I note you did not answer my question.
Banksy
January 5, 2012
What question, there is no question asked in you previous statement.
Nicky B
January 5, 2012
If there is no question asked in my previous statement, how come it ends with a “?”
Banksy
January 6, 2012
I don’t understand your last reply. You just don’t get it. I have never said that Suarez did not deserve to be brought to task for what he said, the point is that the punishment he has been given is way over the top. The whole thing has been used to make a point by the FA, regardless of the effect this will have on Suarez and his family. Their summery suggests that there was no firm evidence, and that they did not believe that Suarez was a racist. So why punish him so harshly. Evra called his sister a C***, how would you react, yet there is no punishment for Evra. If any one including Liverpool and Dalglish stand up for him or supports him they too are attacked. The whole thing is wrong. I just can’t stand how people become so nasty and aggresive, and attak this guy without mercy or thought for what this is doing to his family. Surley you can see that!
Nicky B
January 6, 2012
Good afternoon Banksy,
I apologise if I don’t get you, or “it”. I promise, I am trying. I suppose I would characterise my position thusly: in the hierachy of wrong-doing I rate racial invective as amongst the most egregious. I note your belief that you think Suarez’s punishment is too harsh. I also note (and agree with) your sense that Evra is no saint, but I believe that sainthood is not a prerequisite to qualify for protection from such invective. I see racial insult as a quantum leap beyond virtually all other insults. It is a line not to be crossed. I believe in the severity of Suarez’s punishment because my personal conviction is that he crossed that line. After 41 years of supporting Liverpool I am wounded to feel so ambivalent about my club but that is what it has come to. When you say, “I just can’t understand how people become so nasty and aggressive…” I would swap the words “nasty and aggressive” with “outraged, shocked and defiant.”
Banksy
January 6, 2012
Ok I take your point. But don’t you see were this is leading. Take today for example there are now people wanting liverpool and Dalglish to be charged by the FA, unless somebody stands up and says enough is enough this will just go on and on. I take on board your feelings but for God’s sake how much punishment do people wan’t. How can people wan’t to do this to Dalglish, he has always been the same he will stand beside people if he thinks things are unjust, he will never falter he is consistant (I won’t even mention Hillsborough and what he did for people). How people forget, when John Barnes was going through the most awful racial abuse, Dalglish stood with him never faulted and fought against the racists who where doing it. He fought against racisim with all his heart, now he is accused himself. What punishment awaits Dalglish, I shudder to think. People need to fight racisum but please this is to much, it is dividing people rather than educating them. As for Evra I have just seen a vidio of him in his hotel room ranting about Hasslebank before a Chelsea game, these where his words ” Fuck Hasslebank the mother fucking nigger” that’s nice. This is the guy who has done no wrong according to the FA, a guy who has admitted to insiting Suarez by calling his sister a C***. I find this so hard to get my head round, I do not beleive Suarez is racist, I do not believe that he used the word negro 5 or 7 times (there is just is no evidence of this, no wittnesses). I do beleive that what is happening to him is wrong completely wrong. I am 63 and lived in this country all my life, have spoken English all my life. I thought I new right from wrong, but after taking an interest in this I have found out I don’t. I never knew that using the word negro was wrong and racist, I never knew that using the word coloured was wrong nor that the word black is wrong, up until now I genuinely did’nt. I new Nigger and Coon was, so this could happen to me if I say the wrong word at the wrong time to a black man. If i didn’t know right from wrong after 63 years speaking English, why are so many surprised that Suarez did not know, He has only been living here less than a year, he has only been speaking English for about 6 months. In the heat of a Man unt Liverpool match, under provacation why is it so hard to believe he did not know what he said was wrong. Not unless that is what you want to beleive, and that is what I think happend here. The FA put together a case to find Suarez guilty no matter what. It will be interesting with John Terry, but they have already set that up. He will be found not guilty for insufficient evedence in the courts (as Suarez would have been), and they will drop the case. It’s all about justice, what ever you beleive it stinks. Finaly just to be provocative, did the FA take this stance because as it happens Suarez is not white! But Terry is. If you as sincer as you come accross, you should stand by your club and help if you can, because they are going to take some serious shit over this.
artigas cruz
January 6, 2012
trying to sell news papers or to get attention by putting people down is as low as you english can get. luis and kenny know the facts and evra is a low life to say the least, as for fergy he should stick on the wiskye as most of his low class does.
Nicky B
January 9, 2012
Good morning Banksy,
I found your words heart-felt and moving and I do recall Kenny’s support of John Barnes. I remember some England fans wouldn’t accept that England beat Brazil 2-0 in 1984 because Barnes scored one of the goals. I remember Cyrille Regis getting a bullet in the post when he made his England debut. We have come a long way since then, but the Tom Adeyemi incident suggests we have taken a backward step. It is my guess (only a guess, of course) that the person who allegedly racially abused Mr. Adeyemi believes he was entitled to put club before racism because he thinks LFC has done likewise. I recognise that we are unlikely to persuade each other of our dissimilar opinions. I wish you well for the future, Banksy. Perhaps, in the future, we will find more to agree on than disagree on, but this has been a painful period for all Liverpool fans, and I suspect many neutral fans who thought that we were on a better road…
Hernan Morales
January 11, 2012
Dear Richard Cole:
You are so wrong.
Taking this paragraph from your biased peice:
“Interesting considering the linguistic experts at the hearing said that although in some circumstances it can be seen as acceptable when there is confrontation going on it certainly is not. Especially when you are not in Uruguay”
I picked the report apart as soon as it came out – The experts did NOT say that, you are adding your own spices to it.
In some circumstances it can be seen as acceptable, period.
Which urges me to provide some thorough Uruguayan spanish detail:
First of all, the converstaion is in Spanish, so if you are on the moon or sitting in a stadium, the conversation is NOT in English, it is in YOUR language and your language doesn’t change if you speak it in the shower, in the pub or another country, it is your language and you are speaking it with another person exchanging in that same language.
Now, moving over to the “term” in question… particular strong emphasis seems to be required in making the point that you CAN have the most aggressive conversation with your worst enemy and the term “ne-gro” (pronounced in spanish) can still be used without reference to race.
i.e.
“La puta que te parió negro, andáte a la concha de tu madre” –
This is a literal equivalent to :
“The prostitute that gave you birth dude-pr%ck, go to your mothers pussy”.. pretty funny translating it like that actually – but it loses the meaning anyway. –
The point to highlight and explain to the world is that the word “ne-gro” gets lost in that sentence and does not intentionally transpire any racial connotation – and it is a highly aggressive situation.
Of course if you wish to definitely give it a racial push you can highlight “negro” with other descriptive words like “mierda” (negro de mierda(shitty), negro puto(faggot))
The final convincing point that breaks Evra’s case is that all the sentences he puts forward are transcribed not in Uruguayan Spanish, they are in Spain’s Spanish – this is what caught the experts ears. Not to mention that Evra reported to officials and Sir Al Ferg that he was called “N*gger” initially, then realised that no such term even exists in Spanish.and went on to make a balls out of the conversation. – but the F.A. decided denying Suarez the same that 3 sessions of video footage exposure for Evra before the hearing would give Evra a better chance of putting a story together over Suarez – and even then he managed to get it all over the place.
Video evidence with lip-readable footage would be the only way to put this to rest – there is nothing to support either side except for Evra’s flawed transcripts that the ignorance of the F.A. panel decided to run with.
Signed,
An indignated Uruguayan.
Hernan Morales.