Haven’t been updated for a while so got a backlog of interesting articles and sites that I need to get on here. Follow me on twitter @joshuakearney for more regular updates.
In that article, he links to two EXCELLENT articles: “Media on Racism: Part 1 – Churnalism” and “Media on Racism: Part 2 – Framing”. MUST READ.
Plus another one, this time by Jim Boardman, “Maybe that anger isn’t a lack of respect”.
“The Suarez Decision: LFC Grounds for Appeal” – by Daniel Geey on The Tomkins Times. Really in-depth analysis, and it’s free!
The official statement in full:
Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him.
We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken.
The Club takes extremely seriously the fight against all forms of discrimination and has a long and successful track record in work relating to anti-racist activity and social inclusion. We remain committed to this ideal and equality for all, irrespective of a person’s background.
LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable – without compromise. It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act. It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.
It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ‘I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’. The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.
Luis himself is of a mixed race family background as his grandfather was black. He has been personally involved since the 2010 World Cup in a charitable project which uses sport to encourage solidarity amongst people of different backgrounds with the central theme that the colour of a person’s skin does not matter; they can all play together as a team.
He has played with black players and mixed with their families whilst with the Uruguay national side and was Captain at Ajax Amsterdam of a team with a proud multi-cultural profile, many of whom became good friends.
It seems incredible to us that a player of mixed heritage should be accused and found guilty in the way he has based on the evidence presented. We do not recognise the way in which Luis Suarez has been characterised.
It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November. Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name.
We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms. Luis, to his credit, actually told the FA he had not heard the insult.
Speaks for itself. Also, the club wouldn’t release this unless they were certain they are completely justified and confident in their case.
Another thing; a must read article by Tim Vickery, putting the situation in context.
All of Suarez’ goals for Uruguay. What a player. The commentary is awesome.
Liverpool through to the next round of the Carling Cup tonight, after two goals from Suarez. Two jinxes were broken: for the first time under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool came from behind to win the match, and for the first time, Suarez scored two goals in a match for Liverpool. Suarez’s first goal was a goal-of-the-season contender. Coates lost the ball leading up to Stoke’s goal but he was solid other than that – his timing and anticipation was immense. Spearing was awesome and Maxi worked like crazy down the left, putting in some vital tackles defensively. It was good to see Kelly and Agger (right back and left back) getting forward up until the end. Pleased to see Lucas as captain for tonight as well, when Carragher went off injured. Phil Dawkes, writing the live text for BBC, was saying how awful Carroll’s touch was when he got the ball. From what I saw, he was very composed, dropping deeper for Suarez to run on and set up Bellamy to smack a shot against the post. Carroll’s movement provided Suarez the space to get behind the defenders for his headed goal. Good performance. Good result.
First game I’ve watched live for a while. Really frustrating. 29 attempts and a dominant display for most of the game would get a win almost every time. Suarez was incredible forcing some great saves out of the Norwich ‘keeper. Chance creation was good as it has been all season, but shot conversion was awful – scoring just 3.4% of our total shots.