Kenny Dalglish has defended the Liverpool squad for their public display of support for Luis Suarez earlier this week.
In a row that has dominated all football coverage since the Suarez verdict became known on Tuesday night (and, frankly, got out of hand at times, particularly on Twitter), the Liverpool players let it be known where their loyalties lay by wearing t-shirts adorned with Suarez’s mug prior to the game against Wigan on Wednesday night.
This followed the release of what appeared to be an incredibly defensive statement released by Liverpool Football Club following the verdict on Tuesday and both acts have been condemned by many, including the legendary Paul McGrath.
Kenny Dalglish, who tweeted his own personal support for Suarez on Tuesday night, has backed the club and the players and has suggested that they “haven’t caused any trouble”.
“The statement couldn’t have caused anyone any trouble and I don’t think the players have caused any trouble with the FA either by their statement or support by their T-shirts,” said Dalglish.
“If we are not in any trouble we will leave it at that before we do get in any trouble.”
Dalglish said that Suarez had been moved by the support of the club and his teammates, but that it was the least he could have expected.
He’s been quite emotional and very grateful,” Dalglish added.
“I don’t think it is ever a disappointment when the people you work for give you their undivided support and I think that is the least he deserves.”
Liverpool seem set to appeal the eight game handed down to the Uruguayan (and given the strength of their defence of Suarez, it would be a big surprise if they didn’t), but must wait until the full written verdict of the independent commission becomes available before they can do so.
That’s not expected to happen until after Christmas (the FA staff obviously taking a nice Crimbo break) and you get the impression the dry Scot wasn’t too impressed.
Asked when he expected to receive the written verdict, he replied: “Whenever it is ready.”
“Most of the people have had their say, we’ve had our say but we will wait for the judgement and take it from there – but it won’t be tomorrow,” he added.
“The club have issued the statement, the players have issued their statement visually and verbally, but we have to wait for the written report because no-one knows (what it contains).
“At this moment in time I don’t think the club are permitted to go into any further detail than they have done.”
Looks like this one is going to rumble on and on for some time yet.
