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Luis Suarez risks FA inquiry for giving Fulham fans the finger
'I didn't see it' says supportive boss Dalglish after 1-0 defeat leaves Liverpool in seventh spot
LIVERPOOL's Luis Suarez is likely to find himself in more trouble with the Football Association after he gave Fulham fans the finger following their side's 1-0 win against the Reds. A late goal from Clint Dempsey sealed the match for the Cottagers but the main talking point afterwards was Suarez's gesture towards a section of the home supporters.
The Uruguayan striker, nicknamed 'The Gunslinger' in his native land, has already been charged by the FA following accusations that he racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra last month; this latest incident – caught on camera – will do little to endear the 24-year-old to English football's governing body.
Suarez believed he should have had a second half penalty when he was challenged by Brede Hangeland in the Fulham box. But referee Kevin Friend saw nothing wrong with the tackle, and nor did the Fulham fans who jeered Suarez as he pleaded for a penalty. The Liverpool star, who'd earlier had a goal disallowed, didn't react initially to the taunts of 'cheat' but as he left the pitch at the end of the match he was seen raising a middle finger.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish later defended his player, accusing Fulham fans of "scandalous" behaviour towards Suarez. He added: "I haven't seen the picture and I'm not taking anybody's word for it. If you show me the picture and I'm convinced that what you're saying is true, then I've got a decision to make. But until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment."
Shortly after Suarez's claims for a penalty had been turned down the Fulham fans had more reasons to cheer as Friend showed Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing a straight red for a two-footed challenge on Mousa Dembele. That left the visitors having to survive the last 18 minutes with ten men.
Five minutes from the end, Dempsey turned the ball into the Liverpool net after Pepe Reina failed to deal with Danny Murphy's shot.
The result cost Liverpool the chance to move level on points with Arsenal and Newcastle and instead leaves the Reds in seventh spot on 23 points. "Tonight wasn't as well as we've been playing but it was enough to have won the game," reflected Dalglish. "We never got the luck but we have just got to brush ourselves off and get on with it." ·
