EVRA LEFT OUT

Patrice Evra was left out of the Manchester United side that went to play in the Europa League against Ajax. The team that flew into Amsterdam notably didn’t have the left back. The team’s manager, the venerable Sir Alex Ferguson said that Evra had been rested because of an “emotional week”.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United was playing one of the most hotly anticipated matches of the footballing calendar; against Liverpool. Just before the start of the match, as all the players lined up to shake hands with the Merseysiders, Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand.  This event was a continuation of a row between the two players some time ago when Suarez had racially abused Evra. Suarez had been banned for eight matches due to his conduct and his anger spilled on to the field. After the refusal to shake hands, Suarez also had a couple of outbursts on the field as he booted the ball fiercely into the crowd, risking injury to some of the spectators. After the match was over 2-1 to Manchester United, Evra and Suarez had to be separated in the tunnel by the stewards.

Because of all this, the French full-back has been rested for the Ajax tie. Ferguson revealed that the French international had been through a tough week, emotionally, and it was best that he be rested for some time. Speaking about the incidents against Liverpool, Sir Alex said that Suarez was a disgrace to Liverpool, one of the most respected sides in the Premier League, and should be sold. He also criticized Kenny Daglish, Liverpool’s manager, as he tried to defend Suarez’s actions.

Both Daglish and Suarez have since apologized for their actions. Both sets of fans should be now happy that this has been put behind them and that normal football can resume.