However, Suarez, whose career has been filled with controversy, acknowledged he “made a mistake and I regret what happened.’’
“I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realize I got things wrong,’’ Suarez said in a statement released on Liverpool’s official website. “I’ve not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I’m sorry.’’
Dalglish also apologized Sunday for his confrontational manner during that interview in which he said critics were “bang out of order’’ for blaming Suarez for subsequent events in an ill-tempered game between England’s two most successful clubs.
Players from both teams reportedly clashed outside the dressing room at halftime — requiring police intervention — while Evra whipped up home fans with exuberant post-match celebrations, in front of Suarez.
Dalglish and Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre both said Suarez had misled everyone at the club.
“I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do,’’ Dalglish said.
In a separate statement, Ayre said the team is “extremely disappointed’’ and it is “absolutely clear’’ Suarez’s behavior “was not acceptable.’’
United accepted the apologies of Suarez and Dalglish, saying: “Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football. That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs.’’
This saga began Oct. 15 when Suarez repeatedly racially abused Evra during a league match at Anfield. Liverpool, owned by the parent company of the Boston Red Sox, was condemned by anti-racism groups for backing Suarez and allowing players and Dalglish to wear T-shirts featuring Suarez’s picture in a show of solidarity before a match against Wigan weeks later. Dalglish later tried to dismiss claims the club wasn’t interested in fighting racism.
