THE DISCIPLINARY case against Luis Suárez for allegedly racially abusing Patrice Evra is to drag on until next week after an independent commission requested more time to consider the complex and serious charge against the Liverpool striker.
An English Football Association hearing into Evra’s allegation that Suárez racially abused him “at least 10 times” during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool opened on Wednesday, nine weeks after the northwest rivals met at Anfield on October 15th.
Both players gave evidence to the three-man panel, led by Paul Goulding QC, as did the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, who has vigorously defended the Uruguay international since the allegation was first made by Evra to the French station Canal Plus.
A decision from the panel was expected on Friday but, in a statement released by the FA, it was announced that: “The Independent Regulatory Commission has confirmed there will be no decision this evening and will continue working through the weekend. There will be no announcement on any decision before Tuesday, December 20th 2011 at the earliest.”
The delay marks further frustration for both sides in the dispute but also reflects the complexities of a hearing that saw Liverpool call in a language expert in their attempt to clear Suárez’s name. The forward, Liverpool’s key player this season, would be expected to land a lengthy ban if found guilty. The former Ajax captain also has an improper conduct charge hanging over him for allegedly making an offensive gesture towards Fulham supporters at Craven Cottage last week.
Liverpool’s defence involves arguing that the word “negro” – which Suárez has reportedly accepted he did say to Evra – does not necessarily have racist connotations in the player’s native Uruguay. The United defender believes this is unacceptable and that Suárez was being offensive.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has laughed off the latest controversy surrounding fiery striker Mario Balotelli. The Italy forward was involved in a training ground bust-up with Micah Richards yesterday.
It was the fourth time Balotelli has been pictured fighting with team-mates, contributing to an chequered history in his short time at City, which also includes three red cards and, most recently, attempts to release fireworks from inside his Cheshire home, which required the fire brigade to be called out.
Mancini made a joke of this at Carrington this morning as he tried to play down the spat with Richards. “I ask him ‘why always you?’” said Mancini, a reference to the “Why always me” T-shirt Balotelli revealed after scoring in the 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford in October.
