Despite knowing how stupid FA can get, some of us thought the overwhelming lack of evidence against Luis Suarez would let him off. Then why was he banned when most commentators thought he wouldn’t be? Guess only the powers that be know the truth.
The statement released by FA Luis was found guilty under rules E3(1) and E3(2). From what I could make of those two rules, E3(1) is more about insulting language, bringing the game to disrepute etc. and E3(2) comes in effect when any insult dished out under E3(1) pertains to someone’s race, ethnicity, nationality etc. If E3(2), is applicable, the punishment that would have been laid out in E3(1) would be doubled. Thus, as per the statement, what Luis said to Evra was a) insulting and b) the insult was derived from color of Evra’s skin.
Insulting?! I mean if that rule was implemented to the T, I’m sure more than 90% of Premiership players would be serving bans on most match-days. And some of the referees that FA have used this season are both a) insulting to any common man’s intelligence, and b) bring the game to disrepute.
Luis’s argument has been that he used the term Negrito to address Evra and that it is not offensive in his native language. Moreover, he has been upfront about what he said otherwise no other camera had picked up what the conversation was. In fact, no other United player had picked it up either. So FA has heard two sides. Evra says that Luis called him in a racist manner. Luis, although he could have denied it altogether, said he used a used spanish phrase with acceptable spanish words – Por Que, Negrito!
What’s appalling is that FA had absolutely no proof that Luis said anything racist. None whatsoever except what Evra said. None till the point Suarez actually told them what he said and fair play to him for being honest and upfront telling people that he had nothing to hide. In hindsight, may be he could have asked FA to take a hike and find evidence for themselves but in all earnestness, I am proud of Luis Suarez for he knew he didn’t do anything wrong and he thought he should be honest and truthful.
Apparently, the FA thinks what is offensive in one language is offensive in all. Well, on that logic if I call the FA a ‘dick’ in Hindi (my native tongue), it should only mean a Swedish town to the gentlemen and they should not take offense in it.
What gave me the most consolation on a night like last was LFC’s statement in support of Luis. It was one of the most brilliantly worded expletive I ever read. It implied Evra is unreliable, that FA is two-faced, that FA’s decision was pre-meditated. It takes a lot of courage to fight lies with truth when supporting lies can be the populist way. Of course, as we would expect on any day, LFC have more than that courage, while FA doesn’t have a drop of it.
May be it was the scandalous nature of the allegation that ‘pre-meditated’ FA’s actions. Everyone has been talking about how they stood up against Blatter and his remarks regarding racism being a trivial issue. Here they had a player who was accused of racism and they couldn’t afford to portray themselves as weak at home. The silver lining was that the player was not English. They know that the charges are not going to hold in an appeal. The ban would most probably be overturned. I don’t know the details but I’m hopeful that LFC might even take FA to court on this one. The FA knew all this but they couldn’t make themselves appear weak in fight against a global evil. So what if they had to brand an innocent foreigner for life! The other side of the case would have been to let Suarez off and to levy charges against Evra for defamation. Then the problem would have been that a black sportsperson suffers racial abuse from a foreigner but no action was taken against the foreigner because of lack of evidence but on the other hand the black sportsperson is charged with defamatory things. Everybody would have further amplified and translated that episode saying England and FA are not friendly to people of color and that they need to carry their own cameras to record every second so that they have evidence for the next time something racist is hurled at them. Surely the FA could not have afforded that sort of PR. In the end, they have risked the ignominy of an overturned decision and chances of further lawsuits in order to be populists. Wonder how much is it going to cost Vauxhall, or whoever else, next year!
In the meantime, there is one small request to the LFC Family. We know Luis is not racist. We are going to fight for it to be proved. But the one step we need to take to protect the image of this Family is by not being racists ourselves. I’ve read all sorts of vile messages on various posts and discussion groups on internet. Surely we can’t do much worse in this fight by being racists ourselves.
YNWA Luis Suarez!
PS – there were a lot of emotions writing this so I would like to apologize if there is a lack of structure to the essay or if it sounds garbled.
This is a amzing statement well done, YNWA.
Well worded and I think is pertinent to all LFC supporters. The massive outcry has been part of a long lasting underdog/persecution feeling that we as Liverpool supporters have felt for a while now. We are a family and we will stick by Luis. Most of us are free thinking sensible people and can see both sides of the argument, I think we know if someone is of bad character and Luis is held in such high regard because of his work ethic and passion that we know he isn’t capable of racism. We know he is capable of great things and we know sometimes he frustrates us when he tumbles too easily. But I think he will win an appeal and I thnik in Kenny, he has someone who will fight his corner.
Great blog.
Andy
spot on mate.
Vert well said, couldn’t agree more. I am absolutely furious at the decision and I’m glad I’m not the only one.
It’s an absolute disgrace
Liverpool need to take the corrupt fa to court!
the dodgy trio who came to this joke of a decision
are ex stoke player denis smith,paul goulding qc and brian
jones of the sheffield and hallamshire fa.
Someone else that agrees that everyone needs to stop leaving racist remarks back!!! Thankyou
Brilliant….Brilliant article !!!
Luis will never walk alone with supporters who know the truth and will back him 100%.
When I see all the support fellow reds have given makes me very proud to support LFC
Very good points. This whole sorry tale stinks of FA hypocrisy.
Spot on mate.
Great piece well said, Luis is innocent and the FA had no evidence that Luis was being racist but as usual Liverpool always gets done over. The worst part now is he has been branded racist which he will have to live with which is just not true. Id like to say Liverpools statement was brilliant. Fight for Justice! YNWA El Pistelero
Im glad theres going to be a new panel if LFC decide to appeal.
However i can’t see this being overturned, the FA have made a major statement and if they go back it will just make them look silly and ridiculed. Although i do think we could get the ban reduced to say 4 games, a total suspended sentence or a partly suspended sentence.
I really hope the club persue the stance against Evra and what he said to Luis, he should be punished just as much.
If a player punches an oppenent in the face and that player retaliates and does the same that player then they both would see red cards. Now i know this is about a race and abusive language issue, but the same thing still applies.
Good Points
Guys, Just because You can speed at 80km per hour in one country does not mean it’ll be same in another. I believe Suarez is NOT A RACIST. However, having admitted to Using that language in such a tense atmosphere, seems rather careless of Him. I’m a United Fan and I feel for Him cos of the unnecessary stigma and abuse He’ll get. Possibly He’ll get a reprieve in terms of reduced ban. People talk of EVIDENCE, when He already said He used the language, the context in which it is used is the issue here.
The only debate in that point is that if Luis had been racist in that game, why would he go up to FA and tell them exactly what he said?
If that’s the case how come Evra doesn’t get charged for calling him South American??? He’s referring to ethnicity in a hostile way???
i take it the FA did not take into account evra’s past record on racist allegations.chelsea ground staff and steve finnin,both allegations unfounded.
The ‘past allegations” line is a myth. Show the evidence.
1. The allegation of a racist comment made by the Chelsea groundsman was reported by Mike Phelan not Erva – when questions Evra did not support this allegation. This is a fact of record in the FA report.
2. The Finnen case often also mentioned was not reported or supported by Evra. It was made by a deaf person who lip read a comment and reported it to the police.
If there is another instance to enlighten us please let us know otherwise lets drop this myth.
My personal view this is to harsh a punishment and I’d prefer there to be no ban but counselling and community work with the “kick racism out” campaign.
3rd party references for those still in doubt:
The Chelsea case – http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/dec/05/premierleague-manchesterunited (last paragraph) Where the accusationof racism was made by Phelan
The Finnan case – http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_2368795,00.html (second paragraph) Where the accusation of racism was levelled by 2 blind fans watching the game on TV.
The FA strikes again. I really do belive that someday, may it come soon, england will have their own scandal – their own Calciopoli. Some may say im just paranoid, but i do belive that the FA have some serious problems with their integrity and i do belive that the FA is a rotten house. Is there a huge amount of corruption in the FA ? NO DOUBT!
To Segun
Has Suarez really meant to disgrace Evra because of his colour, would he have admiitted he used the words por que negro? and i dn,t think he didn,t view the recording of the match to see if there is any proof against him? the question therefore why he acknowledged having used the words? Next thing Evra has admitted he also according to LFC used words that demand actions? so why FA didn’t act there upon.? Fairness and equality apply to everyone.
Guys…the word ‘Negrito’ simply means little black man in South America and not considered offensive…..its the same thing like calling Drogba a ‘Striker’….Yes !!!of course he is a striker, the word simply differentiates people’s skin colour not a racist word,if Suarez wants to insult his ethnic or cultural background,i belive there are many native words he would have used.so this also show how bias the FA is….if they are fighting with FIFA and wants to prove a point they should wait for a clear opportunity to come by,as for this Suarez issue,they got it all wrong.They will also show the world how corrupt they are with the John Terry’s case,i bet on that
Being from India and having stayed in England I know how racist people in Britain can get(no offence to British people here!) So its very hypocritic of FA to do this. If really wanted to make a statement then they should have suspended John Terry for 8 domestic games as well as international since there video evidence of what he did. Luis Suarez is just being a victim of xenophobia by the FA. David Gill the CEO of Manchester United is a member of FA. So there is basically alot of bias involved in FA’S decision. There are British journalists saying that FA has made a strong statement and brought more credibility to football! Well I would say they just showed how hypocritic they are! Four days back they reduced Rooney’s ban from 3 matches to two matches when he openly kicked a player and today they ban Suarez without any evidence and just taking Evra’s words! And i believe that the final outcome will be Suarez moving to Barca in La Liga since they are looking for a striker to cover up David Villa’s absence! Liverpool and PL loses another brilliant player because of FA.
Being from India and having stayed in England I know how racist people in Britain can get(no offence to British people here!) So its very hypocritic of FA to do this. If really wanted to make a statement then they should have suspended John Terry for 8 domestic games as well as international since there video evidence of what he did. Luis Suarez is just being a victim of xenophobia by the FA. David Gill the CEO of Manchester United is a member of FA. So there is basically alot of bias involved in FA’S decision. There are British journalists saying that FA has made a strong statement and brought more credibility to football! Well I would say they just showed how hypocritic they are! Four days back they reduced Rooney’s ban from 3 matches to two matches when he openly kicked a player and today they ban Suarez!And i believe that the final outcome will be Suarez moving to Barca in La Liga since they are looking for a striker to cover up David Villa’s absence!
It’s eloquent and passionate prose but I cannot say I agree.
A couple of disclaimers: (1) I am Black. (2) I am and have always been a diehard LFC supporter.
Added to the above is the fact that I have great admiration for Luis Suarez as a footballer who brings not just incredible talent but a zest and enthusiasm for the game every time he steps on the pitch. He is a pleasure to watch and it is great to have him as part of the team.
All that said, and disclaimers noted, the business of LFC and football encompasses a huge audience of individuals all across the globe. It is the magnitude of that business and fan base that allow us (LFC) to compensate the stakeholders and players like Luis so well. The fact is having played lots of football in my time we are all well aware of the competitive nature of the game and the psychological taunts that are used to rile up our opponents to get an advantage.
The truth of the world in which we live means that a player can theoretically tell another all sorts of things about “his mother” without falling prey to the sort of sanction and potential stigma that Luis now faces. But the fact is these rules are there to cater to the ‘greater good’ and part of that is establishing codes of conduct that not only govern the 22 men on the field but have a social impact on the billions of people who watch the game — in particular the young impressionable minds who idolize these men but may not be as capable of separating “on field banter” in the midst of battle from what is acceptable social behaviour “off field”.
I believe the spirit of the rules in question are to deter words and behaviour that is OFFENSIVE to the recipient. If I walk up to someone I hardly know (to extend the analogy) and tell him/her “about their mom” that is clearly offensive. If I am on a football field and someone tells me about “my mom” and I tell him about “his girlfriend or wife” then I cannot see how either is of a differing degree of offense. If Evra responded with his own choice words then I am extremely disappointed that he would allow this process to proceed in this manner. In essence he is also guilty in his case of abusing the process which I believe in of itself is valid. And further it says a great deal about his own character.
It is unfortunate that this matter had to reach to this point and the FA and the PFA could not find another resolution between the players. The laws are here to protect them all and in this case while I do not believe he undermined the spirit of the laws regarding abuse/racism Luis did violate the laws and on that basis alone the message had to be sent that this is not going to be tolerated in football.
Do I believe Luis Suarez is racist? no. Do I believe that he was utilizing whatever the “neutral” interpretation of “Por Que, Negrito!” is back home toward Evra — lol no. He’s a very passionate sportsman, and I believe that he is wrong, on a technicality, but wrong nonetheless and therefore has to face the consequences.
What will sadly be lost in the media melee is the fact that he has been honest about what he said and what he did not hear. While that honesty might seem to have worked against him with this case, for those of us who are paying attention, you can only have a deeper respect for him as an individual.
Should the decision be overturned or the sentence reduced on appeal I will not be upset. However, from a wider vantage point I respect the decision, as regrettable as it may be.
Take a walk will you,!!!!
Its days like today when this country and its corrupt activities just are staggering and makes us a laughing stock around that world.
For years we try and push are weight around the world and yet we cant even run our football league properly!!!!
From the refs to sky’s love for one team and on and on and on. the whole country is dogshite.
“I’M NOT ENGLISH I’M SCOUSE”
As a kenyan Lfc fan I have never been more proud of this club. YWNA Suarez
I would just like to add, if Suarez had have walked up to Evra and punched him, he’d have got a 3 match ban. Call someone a name (which in his language isn’t even offensive) and you get an 8 match ban!! Also as Evra clearly started it, I take he’ll e in trouble for insitement?!! No, I course he wont. Absolute disgrace at how Suarez has been treated. We’re right behind you, YNWA
may Manshit United paid a large amount of money so that Suarez could be ban….lols
i mean maybe….
Well done my son. Well put and well said. We’ll overcome this conspiracy against our beloved club.
How can a black man call another black man my nigger and be termed racist. Suarez grandfather is black for pit sake.
If i owned liverpool, i’d fight the FA with all the money i have. Stir up a campaign against them and expose their duty linen in public to discredit them once for all.
There nothing like bad publicity, so its time for the liverpool PR machine to turn this in our favor. It is an opportunity for cheap publicity, if we can see it and use it.
If used right i expect us to become the most popular club in the world within a year.
Sir Frguson has been insulting MEN IN BLACK for blody years and NOTHING ever happens butote F A uling will be overuled by FIFA I suspect
Exactly what I’ve always said. I don’t get it. I am white and not racist in the slightest, but why is it acceptable for a black person to call another black person the ‘N’ word, but no one else is?
“I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction,” – Luis Suarez.
Peter Schmiechel allegidly called Ian Wright a black B*****d when he played for Utd but he got away with it coz it was Wrights word against Peter’s.
Yet Suarez faces an 8 game ban and his reputation tarnished. The panel n Evra say he aint a racist but thats not what people will say all around the UK if not the world
Uruguay’s national director of sports, Ernesto Irurueta, called the ban “exaggerated, absurd and out of place”, while Uruguay’s head coach, Oscar Tabárez, said he would continue to support Suárez. “He has our full support and solidarity because seen from a distance this seems like an excessive punishment.”
Obdulio Varela, the 1950 World Cup-winning captain and one of the more famous footballers in Uruguayan history, is revered as El Negro Jefe (The Black Chief). Fernando Cáceres, who was in the Argentina squad at the 1994 World Cup, is another El Negro, as is Héctor Enrique, the Argentinian who played the pass for Diego Maradona to slalom through the England team in Mexico 1986. Then consider that Enrique, for example, is not even black, and it becomes even more confused.
Nor is this just a football thing. Rubén “El Negro” Rada is one of the more successful musicians in Uruguay, appearing in a sitcom called La Oveja Negra (The Black Sheep) and with a compilation of his work entitled El Album Negro. Héctor Lescano, the Uruguayan Minister of Sport and Tourism, is known in politics as El Negro Lescano. The late cartoonist and writer Roberto Fontanarrosa and the late singer Mercedes Sosa were two others. Both were white.
Uruguay unites behind Luis Suárez after ‘excessive, absurd’ ban ,
With that and then liverpool taking it slow and taking their time through every way and means possible, he might not even miss any games!!!!
This could get very long and ugly for the english tossers at that blue blazer club in that two bit city down south!!!!
Liverpool could with the above backing bring in so many legal team that are so good that this end ups going on and on and on into the court of arbitration!!!!!
so take that f.a and you f******* bas******
ynwa….. love to suarez and lets really stick together as one club.
. And some of the referees that FA have used this season are both a) insulting to any common man’s intelligence, and b) bring the game to disrepute.
SPOT ON MATE !
Great piece mate, well done… Credit to ya…
The British were the colonial masters in my country Malaysia starting from my state, Malacca in the 19th century. My mother is a portuguese and my father a malay. Yet I am called a “Grago” in Merlimau which is like caling me a “negro” since we are treated like second class citizens unlike the “bumiputera” so called sons of the soil. There’s no offend. Even “Anak Haram’ or bastard is still ok. Puki Mak to my colonial masters and the FA now.