体坛英语新闻：Liverpool apologize to Man. United for handshake refusal

LONDON, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish both have apologized Sunday over Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra of Manchester United before Saturday's match.

"I'm sorry, " Suarez issued the apology in the club's website on Sunday. "I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realize I got things wrong." Man. United responded positively to the apology.

The leading player of each club faced in opposition for the first time since the last meeting at Anfield on October 15 last year, in which the 24-year-old Uruguayan was found guilty by racially abusing United's defender Evra and was later handed an eight-match ban by the Football Association.

In the Saturday's pre-match formalities, Suarez neglected Evra' s extended hand and moved on to shake hands with the next United player.

Evra showed dissatisfaction and dragged his arms, with Rio Ferdinand then refusing to accept the Liverpool striker's stretched out hand, only seeing him never look back and walk past to the field.

"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologize for my actions," said Suarez.

"I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football," the statement continued.

The manager also showed his apology and said everyone of Liverpool should have a responsibility to represent this club "in a fit and proper manner".

"When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologize for that," said Dalglish.

Man. United, who was unshaken to win the game 2-1 despite these unfriendly tones, thanked Liverpool for the apologies and said it was time to move on.

"The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football," the club said in its website.

"That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."