Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has reopened the Luis Suarez controversy by stating that the striker should not have been banned – just days before the Uruguayan takes on Manchester United.
Suarez received a standing ovation from Liverpool fans last night as he returned from an nine-game suspension (eight games for racial abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, one for giving Fulham fans the middle finger) by taking to the pitch against Tottenham Hotspur after a 66th minute substitution.
Though the player was unable to affect what was ultimately a 0-0 stalemate, the fiery 25-year-old arguably should have seen a red card for catching Spurs midfielder Scott Parker in the stomach with his right boot. The incident was referred to by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who tweeted: “If ref sees that kick from suarez and books him for it it should be red.’
Sky Sports pundit and former Red Devil Gary Neville echoed Rooney’s sentiments, a fact alluded to by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish in his post-game comments. “He just never saw him,” he said.
“I don’t have a view on what they have tweeted, especially when I have not seen it. If Neville or Wayne were standing there and asked me the question, I could answer them.
“I don’t think you can speak for either Gary or Wayne so unless they want to ask me the question, I will just plead the Fifth Amendment.”
As for the return of Suarez, Dalglish was generous with his praise for the return of the striker, stating: “We don’t think he should ever have been away but we are delighted to get him back.”
The manager’s words are set to add further fuel to what is sure to be one of the most finely poised encounters between Liverpool and Manchester United, as the Reds and Suarez visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
