• Premier League

PFA chief offers to resolve Suarez-Evra race row

ESPN staff
October 17, 2011
Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra had to be spoken to by referee Andre Marriner at Anfield © PA Photos
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Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief executive Gordon Taylor has offered to get Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra around the same table in order to find a resolution to the pair's race row.

Manchester United defender Evra made a complaint about Suarez following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, during which the pair clashed. The France international told Canalplus: "I won't repeat what he said, but it was a racist word, and he said it more than 10 times. He tried to wind me up."

Liverpool have since released a statement saying Suarez completely rejects the accusation. The Uruguayan forward also gave his own response, saying: "I'm upset by the accusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody. We are all the same."

The FA has confirmed it will investigate the incident, but Taylor is hoping a less official solution can be found. Speaking at the Professional Players Federation (PPF) annual conference, Taylor said he would be prepared to mediate between the players.

"It's something we've done in the past and it's something I hope we'll be asked to do in the future," Taylor said. "We need to try to cool down and reflect on what happened and to contact the FA and see what form their inquiry will take.

"It's good to get this put behind us as quickly as possible instead of letting these things fester and become blown up again. It's very disappointing to have two of our players from different countries at odds over a very serious issue.

"Only by having a full inquiry on such matters can we get to the bottom of it and try to make sure that such problems don't arise again in the future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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