Monday, 24th September, 2012
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra believes that if he had refused to shake hands with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez he would have been showing a lack of respect.
Evra and Suarez did not shake hands in the clash between the two clubs at Old Trafford last season after the Uruguayan had been found guilty of racially abusing the French full-back.
relatedNewsStory In yesterday’s meeting at Anfield though, which was charged with emotion as both clubs paid tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster and then suffered as South Yorkshire Police sought to cover up their failings by blaming supporters, a handshake did between the two did take place.
"I think the most important word today was respect because it was a game between two big clubs that have both had big tragedies", the France star told MUTV.
"That’s why, although a lot of people were talking about me shaking hands with Suarez, the story of the clubs is bigger than that.
"It’s why I think if I didn’t shake his hand, I didn’t respect the story of both clubs.
"In the end, this time, he shook my hand and it was more important to respect the families who lost a lot of people."
Both Manchester United and Liverpool will hope that the bad blood between Evra and Suarez can now be put to bed.
The Red Devils meanwhile were left to celebrate their first win at Anfield since 2007, after beating Liverpool 2-1.
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