Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

07:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

Jamie Carragher apologises to Patrice Evra over Luis Suarez t-shirts

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has apologised to Patrice Evra for Liverpool's response...



Jamie Carragher apologises to...
Soccer

Jamie Carragher apologises to Patrice Evra over Luis Suarez t-shirts

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has apologised to Patrice Evra for Liverpool's response to the racism incident between the former Manchester United defender and Luis Suarez.

Suarez was banned for eight games in December 2011 by the FA, who concluded that he used 'insulting words' towards Evra during a match at Anfield earlier that season.

Suarez started a game a day after the ban - suspended pending an appeal - where the Liverpool players wore t-shirts with his image, in support of the Uruguayan.

Carragher apologises

This is an incident that Carragher now regrets, as he recanted on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

"There is no doubt we made a massive mistake; that was obvious," said Carragher.

"We got to the ground, had our lunch and then had a team meeting. I don't know if it was the manager [Kenny Dalglish] or Steve Clarke - asking one of the players if he was still wearing the shirt, and that is the first I had heard of it.

"I am not lying and saying I wasn't part of it because as the club we got it wrong, and I was vice-captain. I am not sure who was actually behind it.

"I don't think it had anything to do with the manager Kenny; I think it was the players who were close to Luis in the dressing room, who really wanted to support their mate."

Evra responds

The incident was being discussed in light of recent high-profile incidents of racism in football.

"Maybe I have to look at myself now and say I did not have the courage as an individual to say 'I am not wearing it'," Carragher continued.

"I don't think everyone within Liverpool Football Club thought what we were doing was right but I do think as a football club, or you as a family, your first reaction is to support them even if you know that they are wrong, and that is wrong.

"I am not condoning it, but that is the first reaction. Apologies. We got it massively wrong."

Evra responded to Carragher's comments with the incredulity that he felt during the time.

"When I saw it, I was like, this is ridiculous. This is unbelievable.

"You put your own club in danger when you do those things. You always have to support your player because he is from your team but this was after the ban. If it was before and we were waiting for the sanction, I would understand.

"What message do you send to the world? Supporting someone being banned because he used some racist words."

Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Football Liverpool Liverpool FC Luis Suarez Soccer