Suarez and Evra: Handshake-gate?

Share this article:

FA steer clear of Suarez saga

The Football Association will not take disciplinary action in the wake of Manchester United’s ill-tempered clash with Liverpool.

Before the tie, Luis Suarez refused to shake hands with Patrice Evra, with the former recently serving an eight-match ban for racially insulting the Frenchman during a match in October.

United defender Rio Ferdinand then declined to shake Suarez’s hand, setting the tone for an abrasive afternoon at Old Trafford.

At half-time, Evra and Suarez reportedly had words in the tunnel, while the former inflamed matters when he wildly celebrated United’s victory at the final whistle in a clear attempt to goad the Uruguay international.

The Red Devils later accepted an apology for the fracas from Suarez and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, with the Merseysiders claiming the player misled them on his intention to snub Evra.

The FA have now confirmed they will add no further part to the saga, insisting the refusal to shake hands is not a disciplinary issue. They are also satisfied Evra’s provocative celebration and the altercation in the tunnel was adequately dealt with by referee Phil Dowd.