• FA Cup

Ayre denies any embarrassment at Suarez goal

ESPN staff
January 9, 2013
Luis Suarez was the centre of attention on Sunday © PA Photos
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Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has branded a claim that he was embarrassed by Luis Suarez's controversial goal during Sunday's FA Cup victory at Mansfield as "nonsense".

Suarez was heavily criticised by Mansfield chairman John Radford after the striker handled the ball before scoring what turned out to be the decisive goal in a 2-1 win.

Radford accused the Uruguayan of gloating after the goal and claimed that Liverpool's directors felt embarrassed but Ayre has dismissed those claims and launched a defence of Suarez.

"It's nonsense to say that I was embarrassed," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I spoke to their chairman after the game and we shook hands. I thanked him for their hospitality and wished them all the best of luck for the rest of the season.

"He said that our second goal was a clear handball. I said the referee didn't think it was deliberate and had given the goal and we move on.

"I certainly didn't give him any indication that I was embarrassed. I was the only director there, so I don't know who he is referring to.

"I was surprised when I read his comments because Mansfield's manager and players showed a lot of dignity after the game. They spoke sense when they said these things happen in football all the time.

"It was a great game and a great occasion. Mansfield conducted themselves fantastically well both on and off the pitch.

"It's just disappointing that the chairman has made these comments. He's hurting at being knocked out - you can't blame him for that - but it's wrong to say that Luis kissing his wrist was in some way gloating over the handball. Luis does the same thing after every goal."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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