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LIVERPOOL: Liverpool's Uruguayan international striker Luis Suarez was on Wednesday charged by the Football Association with racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The FA's announcement comes after they conducted a month long investigation into the claims that Suarez had racially abused Evra during the Premier League match on October 15 which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Suarez categorically denied the allegations while United have stated they are fully behind French international Evra.
Evra alleged Suarez repeatedly hurled racist insults at him during the match.
Evra made his claims immediately after the match and was quoted as telling French TV station Canal Plus: “There are cameras, you can see (Suarez) say a certain word to me at least 10 times.”The FA evidently believed that the Uruguayan star had a case to answer as they revealed in their statement.
“The FA has today charged Liverpool's Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on 15 October 2011.
“It is alleged that Suarez 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.”
Liverpool, whose manager Kenny Dalglish has stood behind the player, issued a statement following the FA charge restating their support of Suarez.
“The club this afternoon received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge Luis Suarez and will take time to properly review the documentation which has been sent to us.
“We will discuss the matter fully with him when he returns from international duty, but he will plead not guilty to the charge and we expect him to request a personal hearing.
“Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra.
“The club remain fully supportive of Luis in this matter.
The FA are still to announce their decision on whether England captain John Terry should also face charges of racially abusing QPR central defender Anton Ferdinand.
