[i]Here we go... another wonderfully insightful post... .what a level of irony... you claim that Scousers don't have any insight.. but bring absolutely nothing to the discussion apart from a veiled insult...[/i]

Fair enough, I apologise for what was a glib comment. However, I haven't claimed anything about the Scousers' levels of insight, but they do have a reputation for a victim mentality, both individually and collectively. I have to say that from personal experience, it is at least partly deserved. It's applicable here because this is another example of a verdict that will fuel the feeling that there is somehow a conspiracy against Liverpool.

In terms of this discussion, If the FA want to be seen as taking the issue of racism seriously, a big ban was always coming. They've not exactly rushed the decision and will be fully aware of it's impact. Ignoring the linguistic ins and outs, he said something that is deemed unacceptable to the FA, and must suffer the consequences.

Personally I'd like to see harsher penalties for 'ungentlemanly conduct' full stop. The "it's part of the game" argument is nonsense. It shouldn't be part of the game, it isn't (to the same extent) in any other sport that I can think of.

With respect DS, you could have chosen a better comparison. More welsh people speak english than welsh, and of course you have to obey the law of the land. It's the law!

[url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16262537.stm ]These words are not easy - perhaps almost impossible - to translate into a contemporary English context. How do you judge the weight of a word uttered in a foreign language from a different mindset?[/url]

Fair enough, I apologise for what was a glib comment

Thanks fella.

As for the victim mentality, i don't really understand that myself. If you haven't already gathered, i am of course a Scouser, born and bred in Anfield less than 150m from the ground. I have attended over 200 matches at Anfield so feel i have a bit of a 'right' to comment on football threads.
But, i'm digressing... I know it comes up a lot about Liverpools victim mentality, but IMO it's really nothing of the sort (apart from in the minotity) what it actually is, is a form of closeness and family mentality within Liverpool as a city and an overall community. Now, considering some of the violence, crime etc in Liverpool, that may suprise some people... but again i see the crime as a minority of the overall community.

I guess the victim mentality is still due in a large context for the campaign for the Justice for the 96 people killed. Once again, i'm not seeing this as 'victim mentality' but as a sense and a desire for someone to be seen to be accountable for this horrific day. The fans of Liverpool were not to blame... (in my opinion of course), therefore SOMEONE else must be...

Going over to the other points about the Heysel disaster, i don't believe Liverpool people are claiming the victim card.

Finally... Whilst i don't agree with the punishment or even the crime that Suarez is now apparently guilty of, if you take into account that he has been found guilty, then the punishment is fairly appropriate for the offence.. The only thing i ask.. is that John Terry is given an equally harsh/appropriate pentalty in the near future.

People of Manchester, Liverpool and beyond....
Can we gather together as one body and agree on one thing? That TJ doesn't know what he's talking about and is, quite possibly, a fool.

[i]The only thing i ask.. is that John Terry is given an equally harsh/appropriate pentalty in the near future. [/i]

We'll agree on that, [b]if[/b] he's found guilty, and that's an equally tricky one.

Ta Garry - thats exactly the point made in the papers I read about this - he must have known its unnaccceptable in europe to use the phrase in the way he did. If he did not know then he should have done

Where's the law that states you have to speak the language of the land you reside as I understood the poster to be alluding to

I wasn't alluding to that, sorry if it came across that way, my post was intended as you having to abide by the laws of the land in which your actions are taken irrelevant of the level of acceptability of these actions in another country

I still don't understand which is the law that prevents you from speaking Spanish.
¿Donde esta Pepe?
Al lado del negro...
Racist or Spanish?

No law preventing you speaking Spanish, the law relates to using the Spanish word for black in reference to Mr Evra, if Mr Suarez had refrained from using Negrito in his statement there would have been no racist connotation, using Negrito in the statement is making a reference to Mr Evra's race, creed or colour and therefore it becomes racist according to the laws of the United Kingdom.

By simply using the word negro (it means black), by your definition I'm being racist and therefore being discriminated against simply because of vocabulary.
Religious swearing in the UK is seen as acceptable yet in Spain it is the worst form of bad language. Could you imagine the outcry if Beckham had been given an 8 week ban for saying "Christ! What a miss!!!"
Yet I would be pulled up in the UK for the repeated usage of "coño" simply because it would be misinterpreted and mistranslated.
I can't believe how narrow minded some people can be.

Interesting link DS, thanks.

Probably the most revered figure in the history of Uruguayan football is Obdulio Varela, captain of the side that won the World Cup in 1950. His nickname was "El Negro Jefe" - the black boss.

Among Suarez's team-mates these days is Maxi Pereira, who is known as "El Mono" - the monkey. It is a nickname which, apparently, is given and accepted with no offence meant or taken.

Again, this comes down to intent, not language. These guys have nicknames bestowed on them without malicious intent, and take them in the spirit of which they are given. Quite different to referring to the colour of someones skin whilst insulting them. Regardless of culture, you're on very dodgy ground if you do.

By simply using the word negro (it means black), by your definition I'm being racist and therefore being discriminated against simply because of vocabulary.

Disagree, you are allowed to say that someone is black in a factual manner. Not when it's clearly meant derogatively (is that a word?)

don simon - to take your example, if Beckham had used a term considered offensive in Spain I would have expected him to pay the price. Hopefully he would have learned the lesson.
Suarez has used a term considered offensive here (and nobody surely can be so deluded that they think Suarez said it in a positive way). He's paying the price and should learn from it.

What would have happened if Liverpool and been playing Spurs and he'd called van der Vaart a Yid? Historically a derogatory word, but v d Vaart will receive a "Yiddo, Yiddo" chant from the Spurs faithfully very time he takes a corner. So context has to be taken into account.

Having said that, knowing his previous form (that handball in the world cup) and what he has, sooo stupidly, done since (stinking his finger up) I’m more than happy to see him get banned, especially as I’m a proud Yiddo ... Cmon you Spurs.

Again, this comes down to intent, not language. These guys have nicknames bestowed on them without malicious intent, and take them in the spirit of which they are given. Quite different to referring to the colour of someone’s skin whilst insulting them. Regardless of culture, you're on very dodgy ground if you do.

By simply using the word negro (it means black), by your definition I'm being racist and therefore being discriminated against simply because of vocabulary.

It would seem obvious Suarez use was not a term of endearment/respect so again we are left with it being used to provoke a response.

I dont think Suarez is a racist tbh but it was unwise to use those words in this country even if he can abroad/elsewhere.

It is hardly a radical thought to say words have different meanings and different intents though it may be difficult to work them out without knowledge of the speaker.

I think everyone's missing the most important point here. The racist little scouse sod has buggered my fantasy football team right up!

I had him up front with Rooney. He was doing alright too 🙁

You have to love football!!

This is a game that condones racist, offensive, sexist, foul...etc...chanting along with blatant disrespect for match officials from all concerned and then over-reacts in this situation. This is not to say that I condone racist behaviour in any way, rather that the context needs to be understood. Put what Suarez does in the heat of a match and compare it with Sepp Blatter's behaviour. Then Joey Barton's contribution!! What a great national game we have?!!?

I spend a lot of time working in Africa and the word black is used freely, correctly and in the correct context without malice or offence. It takes time to adjust to this coming from our society where we struggle to get our heads around what is and what is not genuine racism.

Fine ban Suarez but football, the whole system needs to understand that abusing people in anyway at their place of work is wrong and unprofessional.

This is why both Seb Blatter and the FA are in the wrong in my opinion Seb Blatter for suggesting Ezra should just shrug it off and the FA for not punishing Ezra as well.

In the same way that in the 60's it was considered fine to break a man leg if you got the ball, it is now still considered fine that mental abuse can be used as a legitimate part of the game to gain advantage.

I would suggest that these cases where one player gets an 8 match ban for racism and another gets away scot-free show that this period is coming to end.

It should be encouraged that player should nt insult either in the hope of gaining a small mental edge in the same way the players are now encouraged not to break each others legs.

Hopefully next time Suarez will report whoever of unprofessional conduct ie (swearing and intimidation at the place of work) rather than resort to this sort of language.

Don't worry! Panic over! I've sold him and got Sturridge up front instead. He's looking good at the moment. And with the money I made on the deal, I've beefed up my defense with micah Richards

Just thought I'd let you know, in case anyone was worried. That is all

He's not fresh off the boat from S America.

What, a banana boat or something? 😕

Oh the irony of complaining about racist behaviour, then using a culturally and racially insensitive comment like 'off the boat'. Do you have any idea of why such a comment would be offensive? Obviously not...

Yeah, cos like all immigrants come over here on boats, it's not like they might use more modern forms of transport to get here, oh no...

Wunundred!

I thought they all fell out of trees?

What, bananaz?

No, silly! Boats!

You're bloody right as well, Binners!

[img] [/img]

😯

spend a lot of time working in Africa and the word black is used freely, correctly and in the correct context without malice or offence. It takes time to adjust to this coming from our society where we struggle to get our heads around what is and what is not genuine racism.

there is no history of the term being used pejoratively though like over here. the n word could be a descriptor like white and **** an abbreviation like Scot but they are not.
Africa is not free of racism but they don’t use black as racist term in the same way we don’t use white as one.
have you heard mugabe and his use of the term white for a more relevant examples.

It's an interesting debate isn't it?

We have a multicultural premiership allied to a very British notion of what constitutes racism. That's the core issue and it isn't being addressed.

I think the question that must be asked, which no-one else seems willing to do, is:

[i]What would Big Ron do?[/i]

[img] [/img]

Slightly off topic but did Balotelli really dress as Santa and drive around Manchester giving out money from the window of his car! Please please let it be true!

I think the question that must be asked, which no-one else seems willing to do, is:

[i]What would Big Ron do?[/i]

Slightly off topic but did Balotelli really dress as Santa and drive around Manchester giving out money from the window of his car! Please please let it be true!

Buy some jewellery, light a cigar or slap a waitress' arse [b]and call someone a 'lazy ****'[/b]

FTFY...

Let's have a look at the teams Big Racist Ron has managed...

1971–1974 Kettering Town
1974–1978 Cambridge United
1978–1981 West Bromwich Albion
[b]1981–1986 Manchester United[/b]
1987–1988 West Bromwich Albion
1988–1989 Atlético Madrid
1989–1991 Sheffield Wednesday
1991–1994 Aston Villa
1995–1996 Coventry City
1997–1998 Sheffield Wednesday
1999 Nottingham Forest

Well I never! 😯

Hate to say it about a City player, but Balotelli is bloody great!!! A refreshing antidote to the John Terry's of this world

The Big Ron comparison is not a silly and fatuous as it might sound. Like Suarez he too had plenty of people coming to his defence saying that he is not a racist and was very stupid in making the remark that he did. In Suarez case it is Uruguay teammates, Gus Poyet etc. and in the case of Atkinson it was a myriad of black players who had played for him over the years swearing he treated them exactly the same as anyone else in the dressing room.

The similarity is neither man was punished for being a white hood wearing, far right supporting, storm front posting bigoted racist, they were punished for saying something that is racist. Both men did it and whilst one has lost half a weeks wages and got a Christmas off the other lost almost his entire livelihood.

What I'm quite surprised about, and quite impressed by, is that Suarez has apparently admitted calling Evra 'negrito'. Now, he wooduv bin advised by lawyers and stuff on hat to say, and quite frankly, if he'd gone in and denied saying owt, then ittud simply be his worked against Evra's and probbly nowt wooduv happened.

Surely his honesty should go in his favour, no?

We have a multicultural premiership allied to a very British notion of what constitutes racism. That's the core issue and it isn't being addressed.

Rubbish the core issue is the FA/FIFA are saying it is fine to insult opponents in one way but it is nt in another way.

If they issued a statement stating that offensive language and deliberate taunts are no longer to be part of the game. They could then ban players appropriately.

The problem is the FIFA/FA heads are very old exfootballers who still think that insulting the opposition is a valid part of the game and are unable to move forward and accept it should be removed.

In otherwords they want to have there cake and eat it, ie they still condone aggressive offence language, while at the same time they want to condemn rasism.

Therefore they come up with these ludicrous decisions to ban one player for a non-PC insult and not the other player for just as offensive PC insults when both players should be punished.

One type of insult is against the rules and one isn't. So they punish the one who broke the rules just as they have done so in the past with other players who commited similar offences. How dare the FA be consistant!

One type of insult is against the rules and one isn't. So they punish the one who broke the rules just as they have done so in the past with other players who commited similar offences. How dare the FA be consistant!

Thats my point the rules are clearly wrong when decisions like this turn up. Both players use offensive language one player banned 8 games one player not banned at all !

The rule should be you cant use offensive language in the work place just like it is for the rest of us.

JY

I understand that words such as black/Pak/****/White/honkey etc can all be used in different ways from the merely descriptive to the deliberately offensive. So an Indian newspaper will happily run a headline including the word "Pak" or "****" without question, whereas this would be seen as offensive over here.

In this case, if it is all about the reaction (alleged) to the word negrito then there is some ambiguity. And the FA in all its glory have chosen to make a stand. My point was that this needs to be put in the context of foul abuse of all kinds that is routinely condoned (directly or indirectly) on and off the field at every match - for which the FA and the whole game should frankly feel ashamed.

Frankly calling someone a bast**d shouldn't be condoned at all (players, managers, refs...). Whether this is elaborated with another adjective of any kind is a second(ary?) insult

Suarez has used a term considered offensive here (and nobody surely can be so deluded that they think Suarez said it in a positive way). He's paying the price and should learn from it.

The term has allegedly used does not even exist here, there is even no proper translation of it that portrays the meaning behind it, so how can it be a term that is considered offensive?

Even if the translation of the alleged word does have the word "black" in it, the word "black" is not an inherently racist word, it is our own obssession with political correctness that makes these words rascist.

If a black guy turned around to me and said "hey my white friend", even if he said it in an aggressive manner, it would not bother me whatsoever.

Oops, I said black: does that make me racist too?

Surely his honesty should go in his favour, no?

I think it would have done if he had come clean at the beginning and openly admitted and apologised for what he said. Unfortunately I think he has had very bad advice from his club who have behaved at the very least naively throughout the whole affair. I think they come out of this worse than he does.

I think it would have done if he had come clean at the beginning and openly admitted and apologised for what he said. Unfortunately I think he has had very bad advice from his club who have behaved at the very least naively throughout the whole affair. I think they come out of this worse than he does.

I know two wrongs don't make a right, but what about Evra's apology to Suarez for using foul and abusive Spanish language, which he openly admitted in his evidence statement? Oh, and where is his ban?

If a black guy turned around to me and said "hey my white friend", even if he said it in an aggressive manner, it would not bother me whatsoever.

What if you'd pissed him off and he called you "a white idiot"?
Racist then?

Nope

Still...

[img] [/img]

....something else for the scousers to be aggrieved about, and fuel the persecution complex they love so much. So ultimately, everyone's happy 😉

Believe me, as someone who had never had much hair, even at school, I know what it feels like to have a physical attribute used against me to try and belittle me, and the supposed spat between Suarez and Evra, from what we have heard, doesn't even come close.

Maybe I've just built up a thick skin over the years.

Edit:

...something else for the scousers to be aggrieved about, and fuel the persecution complex they love so much. So ultimately, everyone's happy

That's the other thing, people seem to think that the best thing that has come out of this is that Liverpool fans are upset, regardless of either the racism issue, or the fact that a potential injustice has occurred (delete as appropriate, depending on your point of view).

Maybe I've just built up a thick skin over the years.

On your bonce? I know that feeling? Wear a hat at all times! Especially in the sun! And moisturise! 😀

On your bonce? I know that feeling? Wear a hat at all times! Especially in the sun! And moisturise!

Racist 😆

With regards to the scousers being upset. Its not that as such. Since King Kenny came back I've just been intrigued to see if he can out-Fergie Fergie, so to speak.

Each week is a hotly contested competition to see who can do the best dour, persecuted, its-soooooooooo-NOT-FAIR!!!!!! moral indigence.

Lets be honest: its funny 😆

Thats my point the rules are clearly wrong when decisions like this turn up. Both players use offensive language one player banned 8 games one player not banned at all !

The rule should be you cant use offensive language in the work place just like it is for the rest of us.

Using offensive language to abuse someone isn't against the law, using racially offensive language to abuse someone is. The rules of football reflect the law of the land, I really don't see your point.

From what I have heard, and this is yet to be confirmed and may be completely wrong, is that the conversation between the two was in Spanish: Evra called Suarez a "South American...", Suarez called Evra a "black man...".

Don't shoot me if this is wrong, just passing on the rumour.

binners in joining JY et al and making it about the clubs rather than racism shocka. How predictable.

John Terry is being charged - by the CPS, not the FA

John Terry is being charged - by the CPS, not the FA

What I'm quite surprised about, and quite impressed by, is that Suarez has apparently admitted calling Evra 'negrito'

Yes I am surprised you are praising a liverpool player its s a real shock.

My point was that this needs to be put in the context of foul abuse of all kinds that is routinely condoned (directly or indirectly) on and off the field at every match - for which the FA and the whole game should frankly feel ashamed.
Frankly calling someone a bast**d shouldn't be condoned at all (players, managers, refs...). Whether this is elaborated with another adjective of any kind is a second(ary?) insult

Yes you are right fans are often immense hypocrites.
I am pretty sure [ old firm derby aside] there is no racist chants at football games – I think Tottenham used to get hisses as the sound of gas in the 80’s by some teams due to jewish associations with said club…surely that does not happen. We have done well to eradicate this remember when John Barnes used to get bananas thrown at him by opposition fans

Even if the translation of the alleged word does have the word

"black" in it, the word "black" is not an inherently racist word, it is our own obssession with political correctness that makes these words rascist.
If a black guy turned around to me and said "hey my white friend", even if he said it in an aggressive manner, it would not bother me whatsoever.
Oops, I said black: does that make me racist too?

k

now two wrongs don't make a right, but what about Evra's apology to Suarez for using foul and abusive Spanish language, which he openly admitted in his evidence statement? Oh, and where is his ban?

Each week is a hotly contested competition to see who can do the best dour, persecuted, its-soooooooooo-NOT-FAIR!!!!!! moral indigence.
Lets be honest: its funny

yes

binners in joining JY et al and making it about the clubs rather than racism shocka. How predictable.

I am not anti any football team as I love football and don’t get tribal about it – I have been to anfield more times than Old Trafford- great club, wonderfull atmosphere and have sung You will never walk alone , very rousing hairs on the back of the kneck stuff.
The team he played for is neither here nor there for me whatever you think.

John Terry is so brave

Don't agree with it all. When playing any sport things get heated and people often say the wrong things which later do regret. To me these are not racist as its a slip of the tongue just like Evra mouthed off ir Suarez. Very harsh ban and mario balotelli summed it up perfectly on twitter.

To me in football theres to much of the blaming each other, just get on with it and play football.

PS - I think racism is completely wrong and should be punished. However in certain heated moments it slips out and to me thats life. If someoene called me a white ...something I don't go crying racism!

Just my tuppens worth by the way!

might invite binners and Don Simon to join me at the Kop fanzine website

I simply said that Evra is a cock. And he is. Everyone knows it. Later that day, all the summarisers on 5Live said it (in more polite terms). Evra will be a cheating diving cock no matter who he plays for. And, as I said, it very quickly demonstrated that more people are interested in who the players are playing for than the actual issue.

Yes I am surprised you are praising a liverpool player its s a real shock.

I'm 'praising' him for his honesty, rather than lying, when doing the latter cooduv saved him from any censure.

Now, I expect you as a Scummer will be demanding that Evra do the same and admit what it was he said to Suarez....

No, thought not. 🙄

Sir Stanley Rous would be turning in his grave......

I simply said that Evra is a cock. And he is. Everyone knows it.

No bias in that then, everybody knows it? I wonder if the people of Ghana think he is a cock?

Oh jeez, I dunno. Let me google it. He is though. We all know it.

You can't use that as a justification!

It'd be far easier to just count the premiership players who [i]aren't[/i] utter cocks!

There was only ever really Scholsey. And he's retired

Nah, Scholes was a cock too. Fouling ****. Had you said Giggsy, then fair enough but no hang on, he 'played away', din't he? Oh dear.

Gary Lineker?

I've been through why I chose to highlight how much of a cock Evra is. Quite a few fell for it too. 😀

Oooh, I have a bit of inside info on Line-acre. He ain't no saint eeever.

Not Lineker too?

No... tell me it is not so? 😥

Using offensive language to abuse someone isn't against the law, using racially offensive language to abuse someone is. The rules of football reflect the law of the land, I really don't see your point.

Im not arguing what the law is. I am arguing what it should be in a perfect situation and what the football authorities should be aiming for to improve the game.

Do you really think using offensive language to abuse someone is fair just because it is not illegal ?????????

Also there are laws against defamation so you cant just go saying what you want about people even if it isnt racist.

Its not clear what Evra said but its quite possible that he said something that is overheard might make people think ill of Suarez.

I dont know if what Suarez said is worse than what Evra said but Evra admitted very strongly abusing him but got nothing. This send out the message that you can abuse people as long as your not rasict.

If Evra got a 1 match ban and Suarez a 100 match ban I could understand the judge deemed what Suarez said is 100 times worse than what Evra said.

But Evra got nothing.

So * you Jon you mother is a **.

Which is apparently fine as its not racial.

might invite binners and Don Simon to join me at the Kop fanzine website

Now, I expect you as a Scummer will be demanding that Evra do the same and admit what it was he said to Suarez...

But Liverpool have questioned whether the FA also intends to charge Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent.

The Anfield statement added: "Evra 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."

So will you priase Evra for his honesty now - surely he was even more honest as Suarez did not even hear it.

I await your usual partisan position

Do you really think using offensive language to abuse someone is fair just because it is not illegal ?????????

I'm in all kinds of trouble then. Sorry Patrice.

Do you really think using offensive language to abuse someone is fair just because it is not illegal ?????????
I'm in all kinds of trouble then. Sorry Patrice.

Im not saying were all perfect but the the Law should be trying to aim for fairness and make the world a better place.

If the Law is nt based on fairness then frankly what is the problem with being racist ?

Law based on fairness? What kind of crazy mixed-up world are you living in?

I've already said Suarez was in the wrong, and deserves punishment.

i've also said in a previous thread on this matter, that should Suarez be found to be a racist, Liverpool FC should sack him. Now, in light of the cultural context of his comments, plus Evra's own belief that Suarez is not in fact a racist, I do not believe this should happen.

Notice how I've not actually defended Suarez' actions regarding his comments to Evra? Notice how I've agreed he should face punishment?

Right.

I'm 'impressed' that Suarez din't lie, as he could so easily have done, and in fact bin honest about what he actually said. I'm not impressed that he said owt in the first place.

Suarez will have to learn his lesson the hard way. Fair enough. I have no argument with that.

Evra, however, walks away the 'victim' and is blameless, oh yeah, of course. The poor little lamb...

Both acted like a pair of knobs, both said stuff they shoon't have. One walked away and din't make a big deal out of it, one did, and we are where we are.

Frankly your all missing the point the FA should of used the case to stamp down on the players using offensive language whether its racist or not by punishing both players.

They're always complaining about offensive language being used to Refs particularly in Amateur leagues and in also in Junior leagues, often by parents and children who've seen it in the Premier league.

This would have been a perfect example to show this type of behaviour is not acceptable no matter what the situation or provocation.

They could wipe out this unsightly aspect of football if they took a strong stand as they have in the case of hooliganism.

Im not arguing what the law is. I am arguing what it should be in a perfect situation and what the football authorities should be aiming for to improve the game.

Do you really think using offensive language to abuse someone is fair just because it is not illegal ?????????

Also there are laws against defamation so you cant just go saying what you want about people even if it isnt racist.

Its not clear what Evra said but its quite possible that he said something that is overheard might make people think ill of Suarez.

I dont know if what Suarez said is worse than what Evra said but Evra admitted very strongly abusing him but got nothing. This send out the message that you can abuse people as long as your not rasict.

If Evra got a 1 match ban and Suarez a 100 match ban I could understand the judge deemed what Suarez said is 100 times worse than what Evra said.

But Evra got nothing.

So * you Jon you mother is a **.

Which is apparently fine as its not racial.

Yes, it is absolutley fine. Its well known that in high temper matches players will shout abuse at each other and square up. Anyone trying to put some sort of hippy perspective on football that all should be fair and nice is living in dream world. There are limits however and racial abuse or violent conduct are punished by the FA as they are explicitly against the rules just as they are against the law.

Frankly your all missing the point the FA should of used the case to stamp down on the players using offensive language whether its racist or not by punishing both players.

They're always complaining about offensive language being used to Refs particularly in Amateur leagues and in also in Junior leagues, often by parents and children who've seen it in the Premier league.

This would have been a perfect example to show this type of behaviour is not acceptable no matter what the situation or provocation.

They could wipe out this unsightly aspect of football if they took a strong stand as they have in the case of hooliganism.

I don't think anyone is missing the point, I don't think you have one. Agression and football go hand in hand yet yet every week in the premiership players manage to shout abuse at each other without resorting to racist abuse.
What sort of anti racism message does banning the player who has just found to have been racially abused send? It sends the message that black players on the end of that sort of thing should keep their mouths shut.

I don't think anyone is missing the point, I don't think you have one. Agression and football go hand in hand yet yet every week in the premiership players manage to shout abuse at each other without resorting to racist abuse.

Well all I can say is I disagree.

Generally when a sports person lets aggression overtake them they start to make bad decisions I know I do when I play football.

Also I manage to play week in week out without resorting to insulting the opposition cant see why this cant be true of professional football too.

Personally I think your bound by the same chains as the FA/FIFA which is what you have stated before. Just because the game of football has been full of abuse in the past doesnt mean it will or should be in the future.

Nothing hippy about it, its plenty possible to play a good strong game of football without swearing/abuse.

Personally I always play best with a controlled physicality once I let that physicality spill over into actual aggression my game suffers. Frankly if I started to abuse the opposition in the same way as Suarez/Evra I'd quickly find myself leaving the field one way or another.

What sort of anti racism message does banning the player who has just found to have been racially abused send? It sends the message that black players on the end of that sort of thing should keep their mouths shut.

It sends the message that they should remain calm till the end of the game and then let the official channels deal with it rather than trying to take the Law in their own hands.

Evra stooped to Suarezs level and therefore in my eyes is guilty too. In fact we dont even know if Evra started the whole thing.

I never said I had a problem with Saurez ban, but Evra now needs to be dealt with in the same manner.

[url= http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/liverpool-sticking-with-%27uruguayan-racism-is-really-friendly%27-201112214697/?utm_campaign=21122011&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email/ ]Lets see what the Daily Mash has to say about it shall we?[/url]

Classic from the mash

I missed the bit where you praised Evra's honesty Elf just like you praised Suarez's. though you did say this about him

Evra, however, walks away the 'victim' and is blameless, oh yeah, of course. The poor little lamb..

I look forward to racially abusing you and you taking it well, not reacting and accepting your blame in the whole affair. Would calling me scummer be enough provocation for you to deserve it? 🙄

I dont agree either that we have to get irate and insult folk - I never understood this when team mates lost the plot tbh but yes it happened.

I dont think Suarez is a racist but I think he used a racial slur well aware of how it would be received - he tried to wind him up which is unsporting but it will occur.

"In the meantime, it would be a lot easier if everyone just stuck to calling Patrice Evra an arsehole."

Its in the paper, it must be true.

8 games over the Chistmas period, lucky sod...
So, is the sudaca (Suarez) going to complain?

*starts counting*

Now I'm not a legal professional, so I stand to be corrected, but it would seem to me that the FA have not stated either the charge or the verdict very well. The original charge is that: "'It is alleged that Suárez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules. "It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra.'" Now yesterday's statement makes clear that the verdict is that "Mr Suárez used insulting words towards Mr Evra". These insulting words "included a reference to Mr Evra's colour". What do we make of this? Note that the reference to "behaviour" is not part of the verdict. The emphasis then is on the words used by Suárez, not his behaviour: on the 'what', not the 'how' (so the issue of 'how he said what he said', as James Lawton puts it the Independent, is irrelevant).

The key question, then, is this: What were the insulting words? Whatever they were, it is stated that they included a reference to colour. The one acknowledged reference to Evra's colour came in the context of a question that Suárez asked Evra. Just to be clear, according to the FA statement, the reference to colour is not in itself the 'insult'. It presumably influenced the extent of the punishment, but not necessarily the initial verdict. What this means is that the FA must show evidence of insulting words, apart from the use of a word referring to Evra's colour, to support their verdict. In other words, the issue, as it has been set by the FA in their statement, is not about whether or not Suárez used the word 'negro', or 'negrito'; nor is it about his demeanour when he used the word. It is rather about whether the reference to Evra's colour came in the context of verbal abuse. I would expect Liverpool FC should have no difficulty acquiring the services of a team of legal professionals who should be able easily to destroy the FA's case, and overturn the verdict. The odd thing is, if it is true that Evra did indeed utter the words “Don’t touch me, you South American”, allegedly in Spanish, then the case is far clearer that Evra used insulting words which included a deprecatory reference to Suárez's background, that could be considered tantamount to racist abuse, i.e., of treating another person less favourably on grounds of ethnic or national origin. Moreover, if Evra did say that in Spanish, then the context is a conversation in Spanish, within which the use of 'negro' or 'negrito' needs to be properly understood. And that would invalidate the argument that Suárez should have been aware of the potentially offensive connotations of the use of the English word 'negro' in the UK or other English-speaking countries.