Saturday, December 10, 2011

Warnock Backs Suarez In FA Storm

Luis Suarez has found an unlikely friend in the guise of QPR manager Neil Warnock, who insists the FA is setting a double standard by punishing the player and not the perpetrators following Suarez's alleged middle-finger salute.

Suarez was charged with improper conduct by the FA after pictures in British newspapers appeared to show the Uruguayan aiming a gesture at Fulham fans. The Liverpool striker had previously suffered 90 minutes of abuse from sections of Craven Cottage.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish accused the FA of double standards on Thursday, insisting it sets no example by appealing Wayne Rooney's three-game ban for kicking an opponent - which is a clear three-game suspension by FA regulations.

However, Warnock believes the greater double-standard is set by the FA's treatment of players and fans. In the case of Suarez, Warnock argues that fans did far worse than anything produced by the player, yet it is the player that gets punished.

"I'm not sure the FA shouldn't look into chants by crowds, and fine clubs if fans give players so much individual abuse like they have done with Suarez," Warnock said. "I'd be tempted to do what Suarez did.

"If you're going to get fined, if you're going to do him, they should also look into where these chants come from and fine the people and clubs concerned.

"It's getting ridiculous. Fans can do what they want and as soon as a player reacts they get into trouble. That's the standards I detest."

Rangers head to Anfield this weekend with Suarez set to lead the line for Liverpool, and Warnock counts the Uruguayan among the top two players in the Premier League.

"I was hoping he'd be banned from tomorrow's game!" Warnock quipped.

"Him and [David] Silva have been the two outstanding forwards this year. He's so enthusiastic and determined - he's made to measure for the English game. I think he's a fantastic player.

"Dives a bit, but you get that don't you!"

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