Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has spoken publically for the first time to deny claims he racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra at Anfield on Saturday.
During Saturday's 1-1 draw at Anfield, the players were involved in a lengthy dispute and Evra was booked by referee Andre Marriner. In a post-match interview, Evra told Canalplus: "There are cameras, you can see him. He says a certain word to me at least 10 times.
Suarez responded on Sunday by 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. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts."
An FA investigation has now been launched, and a statement was released late on Saturday night. "The FA has this evening been made aware of an incident that is alleged to have occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield," it read. "Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of an allegation at the end of the fixture and reported this to the FA. The FA will now begin making inquiries into the matter."
Liverpool then moved to deflect the claims. "The first we knew about these allegations was 20 minutes after the final whistle when the manager (Kenny Dalglish) was asked to go into the referee's office and told about them," a spokesman said. "The first thing we did, as you would expect, is ask the player and he has categorically denied using any language of that nature."
Reports suggest that Dalglish was summoned after Sir Alex Ferguson had accompanied Evra to the referees' room and consulted with fourth official Phil Dowd.
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