Evra v. Suarez. What Really Happened.
I know I’m not alone in this simple, yet complex idea: racism, on any level, is not acceptable. Not a soul on the planet should face any discrimination, especially for things out of his/her control. The problems with issues such as this are the subjectivity and varying levels of perception. You may say something to be that I find funny, while my friend may feel is completely inappropriate. These issues grow exponentially when different languages and cultures are involved; again, not a big secret.
Let’s back up a little bit. In case you’ve been living under the proverbial football rock, Patrice Evra, French international and left back for Manchester United, accused Luis Suarez, Uruguayan international and Liverpool striker, of racism after their respective sides played to a 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15. I’ve never been on a pitch during a professional football game, but I would have to assume some nasty things are said throughout the course of a game. Not always racial based, but most players, and most humans, will do or say just about anything to gain an upper hand. Evra took particular offense to Suarez’ comments and decided to press charges through the Football Association (FA). The FA undertook a “thorough” investigation and decided to ban Suarez for 8 games; one of the more harsh punishments the FA has lain down.
If the FA had found concrete evidence that Suarez had indeed racial abused Evra, then by all means, lay down the law. Racism must be stopped, and often times someone has to be made an example out of. Fine.
But there was no hard evidence. Video monitors were not conclusive. It was Evra’s word vs Suarez’. The words “alleged and probably” were used more than once in the report, implying that the FA had no complete proof of what took place. It was one story versus another. It was one man’s word versus another. And to many people, it was Manchester United versus Liverpool.
Patrice Evra was deemed a more “impressive” witness than Luis Suarez, and thus Suarez faced the consequences. The same Patrice Evra who helped organize the mutiny of the French National Team during the 2010 World Cup. The same Patrice Evra who former French International Lilian Thuram asked to “never come back into the France team.”
The FA took Evra’s word over Suarez’. Evra’s case was essentially that Suarez used the word “negro” while speaking to him, a word which is commonly used in Uruguay similar to “dude” or other derivations. Suarez said he often uses that word when conversing with fellow Liverpool footballer Glen Johnson, who is also black.
Suarez became the scapegoat. He served his time, and he did so without backlash. Evra was booed unmercifully in his return to Anfield, which of course Liverpool FC took enormous criticism for.
Which brings us to this afternoon. Luis Suarez’ return to the Liverpool starting lineup, at Old Trafford, against Patrice Evra and Manchester United. The buildup was immense; the tension was palpable.
As it appeared in real time, Suarez ducked Evra’s pregame handshake. As it appeared in real time, Evra reached out and grabbed Suarez’ arm in attempt to make peace. As it appeared in real time, Suarez took the loss poorly. As it appeared in real time, Suarez was again at fault.
As it actually happened, Evra held his hand back, Suarez moved on, and then Evra went in. As it actually happened, Suarez extended his hand to Evra and received nothing in return. As it actually happened, Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand blatantly refused to shake Suarez’ hand. As it actually happened, Evra took his post game celebratory lap right into Suarez’ face. As it actually happened, Suarez remained calm throughout. As it actually happened, Suarez is still at fault (at least in the eyes of many).
Many respected (at least in my eyes) writers threw the kitchen sink at Suarez after the handshake incident. One went as far as to say “I think that’s the first time I ever cheered for a Manchester United goal, & it’s all because of Luis Suarez” – @bubbaprog. If you don’t like the guy, by all means, dislike away. It becomes a problem when a man is seen as guilty because of faulty information.
I’m never going to tell anyone how to feel, or what to believe. I’m never going to be that guy pushing anything down your throat. You can believe whichever side you fancy on this story, but at least put the facts together before you do so. Luis Suarez was made a scapegoat for the FA’s fight against racism based on allegations, not facts, and not proof. It is easy, and lazy, to spin things that make the “villian,” continue to look bad.
You can call me biased, and that is fine. Maybe I am a little bit, but I also took the time to find the facts of the story; something most people have failed to do. I am proud to be a supporter of Liverpool Football Club. I am proud to have Luis Suarez on my team.
You can read part of the FA report here.
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