"His behaviour is not befitting of any player wearing LFC shirt and Luis is aware he's let himself & everyone associated with LFC down."
These statements were echoed by manager Brendan Rodgers who confirmed categorically that Suarezs behaviour was un acceptable. Suarez in turn offered this apology:
I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today. I'm sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologize Ivanovic and all football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I'm so sorry about it!!
Liverpool has a rich history. Established in 1892 it has over the years branded itself as a club built on hope, purpose, determination and pride all captured in its anthem 'You will never Walk alone'. The late Liverpool legendary former Manager Bill Shankly once said; 'Fire in your belly comes from pride and passion in wearing the red shirt. We don't need to motivate players because each of them is responsible for the performance of the team as a whole." The passion that the great Shankly was referring to was not the despicable antics that Suarez displayed in that game. The performance of Liverpool football club is not just manifested in winning; it is also typified by honourable conduct on the football field. Luis Suarez has no doubt as Ayre stated let down not only his team-mates and Liverpool football club but also the millions of admirers that he has all over the world, admirers drawn across the club divide. Liverpool has promised to deal with the matter internally as they await FA sanctions but it cannot be gainsaid that firm and decisive action both by the club and the FA and perhaps even FIFA must be taken to ensure that the game and the club are not brought into disrepute. If the anticipated FA action involves banning Luis Suarez from playing in the UK ever again so be it. No one player is bigger than the beautiful game of football. His expulsion from the game may be a small price to pay for the sake of footballing dignity. One hopes that at the end of this unfortunate episode sanity will prevail and all the talking points will be on the game itself.