Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
I've read about 70 pages of it now, and it seems enough to make some early conclusions:
There is no video evidence supporting Evra's claim, although there are many references to how the panel took into account video evidence, in actuality when you get about halfway in they clearly state you cannot see what Suarez says, but by the look on his face . . .
There is much fuss made of the inconsistencies in Suarez's recollection of events. This mainly focuses on the fact that in an early statement he says "Por que, Negro" in a 'friendly and affectionate manner' but later reports this as 'a conciliatory manner' - this difference is seen as highly suspicious and untrustworthy.
Also highly suspicious and untrustworthy is the fact that he says he pinched Evra's arm in 'an attempt to defuse the situation' by pointing out that he (Evra) was not untouchable (ie he can be fouled just like everyone else). The unlikelihood of this being an action designed to defuse the situation undermines Suarez's credibility.
The interpretation of what Suarez said (if it was "Por que, Negro"😉 hinges on whether Suarez was trying to be friendly and calm things down or trying to be offensive. According to the linguistic experts it could go either way (although they agree with Suarez that had he been trying to be offensive it would likely have been said as 'Negro de mierda' (shitty black). However, the panel decided that after chatting to the ref when Suarez puts his hand on Evra's neck in an apparently friendly gesture, this was actually a gesture designed to appear friendly whilst actually designed to wind Evra up, therefore they have interpreted what he said as having negative, sneering connotations.
The interpretation of what Suarez said (if it was as Evra claims) is, according to the linguistic experts, unusual in the dialect used by Suarez, although not unheard of. However other videos of Suarez reveal he has used the more prevalent and traditional form in the past, but they say it is possible that Evra, being somewhat unfamiliar with the language may have just heard it as the form he is familiar with (tu instead of vos).
The evidence submitted by several Scum players (of which much is made that it was accepted and unchallenged by Suarez) was from Valencia, Nani, Nani and Hernandez - from inside the dressing room. They all say Evra said Suarez called him a nigger, although in Evra's report he says "he called me black". There are contradictions as to the exact Spanish phrase Evra relates to them.
Evra says to them he called me a nigger five times, which changes to "more than ten times" by the time he speaks to Canal+.
This is by no means cut and dry
