Liverpool request talks with United

Liverpool v OldhamLIVERPOOL OFFICIALS are to request top-level talks with their Manchester United counterparts, in an attempt to defuse tensions before the two clubs meet at Old Trafford on February 11th. That match is likely to be Luis Suarez's first away from Anfield after his eight-match ban for racially abusing the United defender Patrice Evra.

Kenny Dalglish has no reservations about picking Suarez to start against United, despite his concern over the treatment the Uruguay international may receive from opposition supporters. Beyond matters on the pitch, however, there is a realisation at Anfield that the potential for trouble will be greater than usual when the north-west rivals meet, given the fallout from the Suarez affair and therefore a need to respond.

Relations between the clubs, like those between Liverpool and the English Football Association, have suffered badly. Liverpool’s staunch defence of a player who has admitted using the Spanish word negro once during his row with Evra, but was found guilty of using it, or negros, seven times by an independent regulatory commission, has been viewed by many as the root cause. Liverpool have cast doubt on Evra’s integrity and are adamant Suarez has been punished for a cultural misunderstanding and his honesty in admitting to using the word when first presented with Evra’s accusation, immediately after the match.

Nevertheless, and having accepted Suarez’s ban, Liverpool accept a responsibility to reduce potential flashpoints at Old Trafford and intend to contact United on the issue.

Liverpool officials are exploring what actions can be taken and there has been no approach to United yet. Talks may even take place at ownership level, where Liverpool’s principal owner, John W Henry, and chairman, Tom Werner, have been closely involved in the club’s stance throughout the affair. The Premier League is prepared to mediate, if called upon. United are open to the prospect of working with Liverpool and will assess any proposals that are made.

Liverpool’s handling of the entire episode has continued to attract fierce criticism and Piara Powar, the executive director of European football’s anti-discrimination body, Fare, believes the FA should charge the club with bringing the game into disrepute. He said Dalglish had been “undignified” in his vehement support of Suarez and that Liverpool’s reaction had damaged their image.

“This is a lack of respect for the governing body by Liverpool and the FA should charge Liverpool FC and Kenny Dalglish,” Powar said. “I think the FA should come back now and be very clear that Liverpool could be construed to have brought the game into disrepute by the way in which they have consistently undermined the judgment and by Kenny Dalglish’s comments. Liverpool have been too keen to support their man and in doing so have whipped up a sense of paranoia amongst their fans. This is not the Liverpool FC that we have applauded in the past for their support for a whole range of issues. For the club to so aggressively militate against what looks to most people a considered judgment from the FA leads to a potential for anarchy. Dalglish, who with Manchester City is interested in Birmingham City’s 17-year-old midfielder Nathan Redmond, said tonight’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to Oldham Athletic offers welcome respite after a troubled week for the club. The Liverpool manager said: “To get back on the pitch after the week we’ve had on and off it is the best thing we can do. It’ll be a great time too for our people to show support for one another – for the players to show their gratitude towards the fans for the support they’ve given us recently, and also vice versa.”

GuardianService