• Premier League

Suarez report not the full story - Dalglish

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 4, 2012
Kenny Dalglish says the full story is yet to emerge surrounding Luis Suarez

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish maintains his support of banned striker Luis Suarez, claiming the full facts of the hearing which led to the striker's suspension have not been made public.

Suarez received an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the 1-1 draw in October. Liverpool have chosen not to appeal against the Uruguay international's punishment after analysing a 115-page document released by the independent commission on New Year's Eve.

But despite the commission's report accusing Suarez of providing "unreliable" and "inconsistent" evidence at the hearing, Dalglish claims the report does not tell the full story.

"We have made a statement and I think it is there for everyone to read," Dalglish said. "Luis has made a brilliant statement and we stand by him.

"There are a lot of things we'd like to say and a lot of things we could say but we don't want to get ourselves into trouble.

"We know what has gone on; we know what is not in the report and that is important for us. But without me getting myself in trouble, that is me finished.

"It is unfortunate that you don't actually know the whole content of what went on at the hearing. I am not prepared and I cannot say. I cannot go any further.

"I don't think we are digging a bigger hole - it is unfortunate we cannot be more forthcoming."

Dalglish was careful not to accuse the Football Association of bias against Liverpool, but when pressed on why Suarez had been targeted, he said: "Maybe wrong place, wrong time. It could have been anybody. I can't answer for the FA, you ask them."

Dalglish also defended the much-criticised decision by the players and himself to wear T-shirts in support of Suarez at the Wigan match before Christmas.

"If one of your guys was in trouble would you help and support him if you knew it was the truth and you knew it was right," he said. "If they want to show their support for their team-mate, what is wrong with that?

"I think it is a fabulous statement to make visually of your support for a guy who is endeared in the dressing room."

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