The Suarez/Evra Racism Row
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Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
[quote author=athensruairi link=topic=48021.msg1452766#msg1452766 date=1325340865]
Killer whales kill and eat great whites. The killer whale is the bad ass of the ocean.
[/quote]
Turning circle of a JCB those Killer whales. Plus they play with their food before they eat it.
Bad form.
[quote author=athensruairi link=topic=48021.msg1452766#msg1452766 date=1325340865]
Killer whales kill and eat great whites. The killer whale is the bad ass of the ocean.
[/quote]
Turning circle of a JCB those Killer whales. Plus they play with their food before they eat it.
Bad form.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=48021.msg1452768#msg1452768 date=1325341038]
[quote author=athensruairi link=topic=48021.msg1452766#msg1452766 date=1325340865]
Killer whales kill and eat great whites. The killer whale is the bad ass of the ocean.
[/quote]
Turning circle of a JCB those Killer whales. Plus they play with their food before they eat it.
Bad form.
[/quote]
That's just to tenderise it a bit.
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=48021.msg1452768#msg1452768 date=1325341038]
[quote author=athensruairi link=topic=48021.msg1452766#msg1452766 date=1325340865]
Killer whales kill and eat great whites. The killer whale is the bad ass of the ocean.
[/quote]
Turning circle of a JCB those Killer whales. Plus they play with their food before they eat it.
Bad form.
[/quote]
That's just to tenderise it a bit.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
That's even worse. Fussy eaters.
Shark's aren't fussy. If it moves, they'll eat it. Sometimes if it doesn't move they eat it too.
That's even worse. Fussy eaters.
Shark's aren't fussy. If it moves, they'll eat it. Sometimes if it doesn't move they eat it too.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=48021.msg1452758#msg1452758 date=1325340564]
hahaha, yeah, cos playing football means you're intelligent.
[/quote]
True, but I will not be swayed on the the awesomeness of dolphins.
dolphins - play with a ball
sharks - eat a ball
octopuses - hump a ball
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=48021.msg1452758#msg1452758 date=1325340564]
hahaha, yeah, cos playing football means you're intelligent.
[/quote]
True, but I will not be swayed on the the awesomeness of dolphins.
dolphins - play with a ball
sharks - eat a ball
octopuses - hump a ball
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=48021.msg1452762#msg1452762 date=1325340681]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=48021.msg1452707#msg1452707 date=1325339148]
I wouldn't have thought the club has any recourse in law. Their only viable option is the appeals procedure with the FA.
As an individual though, Suarez could consider bringing a case for defamation. The FA has implied he is racist (despite attempting to cover themselves in their initial statement) and he may argue the term used in his own language doesn't have these connotations.
It would be interesting for legal precedent for a court to decide if FA has the right to deem the meaning of words used in other countries in their own way.
[/quote]
WTF are you blathering on about? Dolphins, sharks or octopuses is what we're concerned with.
Stop changing the bloody subject.
[/quote]
Cephalopods can have an opinion.
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=48021.msg1452762#msg1452762 date=1325340681]
[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=48021.msg1452707#msg1452707 date=1325339148]
I wouldn't have thought the club has any recourse in law. Their only viable option is the appeals procedure with the FA.
As an individual though, Suarez could consider bringing a case for defamation. The FA has implied he is racist (despite attempting to cover themselves in their initial statement) and he may argue the term used in his own language doesn't have these connotations.
It would be interesting for legal precedent for a court to decide if FA has the right to deem the meaning of words used in other countries in their own way.
[/quote]
WTF are you blathering on about? Dolphins, sharks or octopuses is what we're concerned with.
Stop changing the bloody subject.
[/quote]
Cephalopods can have an opinion.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
[size=12pt][size=10pt][size=12pt]November 1996[/size][/size], [/size] Schmeichel racially abuses Ian Wright [caught clearly on Sky TV].
[size=12pt]February 1997[/size]; Schmeichel repeats the abuse when the teams meet at Highbury.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor states that “if Wright and Schmeichel declare a truce then neither will have to face charges by either the CPS or the FA".
[size=12pt]Taylor doesn’t state what Wright will be charged with.[/[/size]b]
[size=14pt]Months later, the FA (supported by the PFA), drop the case claiming it was “one player’s word against another”. [/size]
[size=12pt]April 1997[/size]; Graham Kelly decides not to take any action against Schmeichel [for abusing both Ian Wright (twice) and Rod Wallace] by saying [size=12pt]"it would not be in the best interests of the game".[/size]
[size=12pt]August 1999[/size], [Beckham] escapes [FA] punishment for giving a two-fingered gesture to Leeds fans because it was deemed that “he had suffered undue provocation” and he “[size=12pt]should be handled as a special case[/size]”.
[size=12pt][size=10pt][size=12pt]November 1996[/size][/size], [/size] Schmeichel racially abuses Ian Wright [caught clearly on Sky TV].
[size=12pt]February 1997[/size]; Schmeichel repeats the abuse when the teams meet at Highbury.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor states that “if Wright and Schmeichel declare a truce then neither will have to face charges by either the CPS or the FA".
[size=12pt]Taylor doesn’t state what Wright will be charged with.[/[/size]b]
[size=14pt]Months later, the FA (supported by the PFA), drop the case claiming it was “one player’s word against another”. [/size]
[size=12pt]April 1997[/size]; Graham Kelly decides not to take any action against Schmeichel [for abusing both Ian Wright (twice) and Rod Wallace] by saying [size=12pt]"it would not be in the best interests of the game".[/size]
[size=12pt]August 1999[/size], [Beckham] escapes [FA] punishment for giving a two-fingered gesture to Leeds fans because it was deemed that “he had suffered undue provocation” and he “[size=12pt]should be handled as a special case[/size]”.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
Patrice Evra has today demanded that UEFA take charges against AC Milan. He find it insulting that they are nicknamed Rossonegri!
Patrice Evra has today demanded that UEFA take charges against AC Milan. He find it insulting that they are nicknamed Rossonegri!
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
i like killer whales too.
i like killer whales too.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
Seals fuck me right off though. Their breath fucking stinks and they act as if they own the bloody ocean when I'm out on a dawnie on my own (and a bit scared).
Whiskered little fuckers. If only I could strap a club to my wetty..
Seals fuck me right off though. Their breath fucking stinks and they act as if they own the bloody ocean when I'm out on a dawnie on my own (and a bit scared).
Whiskered little fuckers. If only I could strap a club to my wetty..
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
My daughter is obsessed with sharks too - She once asked me who would win a race between a shark and a train. "Where?" I asked her. "Sea or land?". "On land, silly" she said - "the train wouldn't work in the water". Of course. Silly me
My daughter is obsessed with sharks too - She once asked me who would win a race between a shark and a train. "Where?" I asked her. "Sea or land?". "On land, silly" she said - "the train wouldn't work in the water". Of course. Silly me
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=48021.msg1452861#msg1452861 date=1325346616]
November 1996, Schmeichel racially abuses Ian Wright [caught clearly on Sky TV].
February 1997; Schmeichel repeats the abuse when the teams meet at Highbury.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor states that “if Wright and Schmeichel declare a truce then neither will have to face charges by either the CPS or the FA".
Taylor doesn’t state what Wright will be charged with.[/b]
Months later, the FA (supported by the PFA), drop the case claiming it was “one player’s word against another”.
April 1997; Graham Kelly decides not to take any action against Schmeichel [for abusing both Ian Wright (twice) and Rod Wallace] by saying "it would not be in the best interests of the game".
August 1999, [Beckham] escapes [FA] punishment for giving a two-fingered gesture to Leeds fans because it was deemed that “he had suffered undue provocation” and he “should be handled as a special case”.
[/quote]
that's all well and good but it's not one player's word against another as suarez admitted he said what evra claimed he said.
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=48021.msg1452861#msg1452861 date=1325346616]
November 1996, Schmeichel racially abuses Ian Wright [caught clearly on Sky TV].
February 1997; Schmeichel repeats the abuse when the teams meet at Highbury.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor states that “if Wright and Schmeichel declare a truce then neither will have to face charges by either the CPS or the FA".
Taylor doesn’t state what Wright will be charged with.[/b]
Months later, the FA (supported by the PFA), drop the case claiming it was “one player’s word against another”.
April 1997; Graham Kelly decides not to take any action against Schmeichel [for abusing both Ian Wright (twice) and Rod Wallace] by saying "it would not be in the best interests of the game".
August 1999, [Beckham] escapes [FA] punishment for giving a two-fingered gesture to Leeds fans because it was deemed that “he had suffered undue provocation” and he “should be handled as a special case”.
[/quote]
that's all well and good but it's not one player's word against another as suarez admitted he said what evra claimed he said.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
dead link mr. w
dead link mr. w
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
The incident... Makes interesting reading...
86. Mr Evra faced up to Mr Suarez and kept walking towards him. This forced Mr Suarez to
move backwards along the goal-line and, in fact, slightly behind the goal-line. All the
while they were talking to each other. They reached a position approximately halfway
along the goal line when Mr Kuyt, the Liverpool player stepped in between Mr Suarez
and Mr Evra. Mr Kuyt had been standing in the middle of the six-yard box where he was
being marked by Jonny Evans, the Manchester United defender. Mr Kuyt faced up to Mr
Evra and prodded him in the chest with his finger. Mr Evra pushed Mr Kuyt away in the
chest with both hands. At this point, Mr Suarez started a run out of the six-yard box
towards the near post. Mr Evra ran with him. The corner was taken on 63 minutes and 5
seconds but by the time that Mr Suarez had flicked the ball on with his head into the
goalmouth area, the referee had blown his whistle to stop play.
87. Mr Evra and Mr Suarez are agreed that they spoke to each other in Spanish in the
goalmouth. Mr Evra said that he is not exactly fluent in Spanish but that he can easily
converse in Spanish. For Mr Suarez, Spanish is his native language as a Uruguayan. Mr
Evra told us that he began the conversation by saying "Concha de tu hermana". Mr Evra's
evidence was that this is a phrase used in Spanish like when you say "fucking hell" in 27
English, but the literal translation is "your sister's pussy". Mr Suarez did not hear Mr Evra
say this. One of the video clips that we have seen, taken from a close up angle behind the
goal, does appear to support Mr Evra's evidence that he started the conversation with this
comment.
88. Mr Suarez said that he did not hear this first comment from Mr Evra but that he heard him
whispering something. Mr Suarez told us that he then said "What did you say?" It does
seem from the video footage that Mr Suarez does say something at this point in response
to Mr Evra's opening comment.
89. Mr Evra told us that he then said to Mr Suarez "Porque me diste un golpe", meaning "Why
did you kick me?". The video footage shows that Mr Evra looked down at his knee then at
Mr Suarez's face as he asked this question, which does support his evidence that he asked
a question about being kicked in the knee. Mr Evra said that, when he asked that question,
he was in shock and upset at having been kicked in the knee by Mr Suarez. Mr Suarez
agrees that, at this point, Mr Evra asked him why he had kicked him, referring to the
earlier foul. That is largely the end of the agreement between them as to what was said in
the goalmouth.
90. Mr Evra's evidence was that, in response to his question "Why did you kick me?", Mr
Suarez replied "Porque tu eres negro". Mr Evra said that at the time Mr Suarez made that
comment, he (Mr Evra) understood it to mean "Because you are a ****". He now says
that he believes the words used by Mr Suarez mean "Because you are black". We shall
consider further below Mr Evra's understanding of the Spanish word "negro".
91. Mr Suarez said that he replied to Mr Evra's question "Why did you kick me?" by saying
"que habia sido una falta normal", meaning "it was just a normal foul". He said he
shrugged his shoulders and put his arms out in a gesture to say that there was nothing
serious about it. At this point on the video footage, Mr Suarez's face is obscured, but he
does appear to shrug his shoulders.
92. Mr Evra said that he followed up Mr Suarez's reply "Because you are black" by saying
"Habla otra vez asi, te voy a dar una porrada", which means "Say it to me again, I'm going
to punch you". Mr Suarez replied by saying "No hablo con los negros". Mr Evra said that, 28
at the time, he understood this to mean "I don't speak to niggers", although he now says it
means "I don't speak to blacks".
93. Mr Suarez's evidence was that Mr Evra replied to the comment "it was just a normal foul"
by saying "Ok, you kicked me, I'm going to kick you". Mr Suarez said in his witness
statement that his response was "Le dije que se callara e hice un gesto breve con mi mano
izquierda parecido a la mocion de un "pato cuando hace cuac" para indicarle que hablaba
mucho y deberia callarse", which was translated as "I told him to shut up and made a brief
gesture with my left hand like a "quacking" motion as if to say he was talking too much
and should be quiet".
94. Mr Evra said that after Mr Suarez said "I don't speak to blacks", he (Mr Evra) said "Ahora
te voy a dar realmente una porrada", which means "Okay, now I think I'm going to punch
you". To this he says that Mr Suarez replied "Dale, negro...negro...negro". At the time, Mr
Evra understood this to mean "Okay, ****, ****, ****". He now says it means "Okay,
blackie, blackie, blackie". The expert witnesses stated that the phrase "Dale, negro" can be
understood as "Bring it on, blackie" or "do it, blackie" or "go ahead, blackie" (see paragraph
184 below).
95. Mr Evra said that as Mr Suarez was speaking he reached out to touch Mr Evra's arm,
gesturing at his skin. Mr Evra said that Mr Suarez was drawing attention to the colour of
Mr Evra's skin. This gesture is clearly shown on the video footage, just as Mr Kuyt comes
between them. It seemed to us that Mr Suarez reached out and pinched Mr Evra's left
forearm. In cross-examination, Mr Evra said that at the time he did not realise that Mr
Suarez had pinched his arm. He was more focussed on his lips and what he was saying.
Mr Evra only realised that Mr Suarez had touched his arm in this way when he saw the
video footage later.
96. As to the pinching of Mr Evra's arm, Mr Suarez said this in paragraph 27 of his witness
statement:
"Evra did not back off and Dirk Kuyt was approaching us to stand between us. At
this point I touched PE's left arm in a pinching type movement. This all happened
very quickly. I was trying to defuse the situation and was trying to intimate to Evra
that he was not untouchable by reference to his question about the foul. Under no 29
circumstances was this action intended to be offensive and most certainly not
racially offensive. It was not in any way a reference to the colour of PE's skin.”
97. Mr Suarez said that at no point did he use the word "negro" during the exchange with Mr
Evra in the goalmouth.
98. At the time of these exchanges, there were other players in the six-yard box. These
included David De Gea, the Manchester United goalkeeper, Jonny Evans, the Manchester
United defender who was marking Dirk Kuyt, and Mr Kuyt himself. Mr De Gea, who is
Spanish, said that he did not hear any exchange between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez. It is
clear that there was an exchange of some sort between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez. We found
it unsurprising that Mr De Gea did not hear any exchange. He appears from the video
footage to be focused on the corner, and looking mainly in that direction. Mr Kuyt said
that he could not hear what was being said by Mr Evra and Mr Suarez but it seemed clear
to him that Mr Evra was trying to provoke Mr Suarez so he (Mr Kuyt) stepped between
them and told Mr Evra to leave Mr Suarez alone.
99. Mr Evra's evidence is that up to this point Mr Suarez had used the word "negro" or
“negros” five times in the goalmouth: "Because you are black", "I don't speak to blacks"
and "Okay, blackie, blackie, blackie".
The incident... Makes interesting reading...
86. Mr Evra faced up to Mr Suarez and kept walking towards him. This forced Mr Suarez to
move backwards along the goal-line and, in fact, slightly behind the goal-line. All the
while they were talking to each other. They reached a position approximately halfway
along the goal line when Mr Kuyt, the Liverpool player stepped in between Mr Suarez
and Mr Evra. Mr Kuyt had been standing in the middle of the six-yard box where he was
being marked by Jonny Evans, the Manchester United defender. Mr Kuyt faced up to Mr
Evra and prodded him in the chest with his finger. Mr Evra pushed Mr Kuyt away in the
chest with both hands. At this point, Mr Suarez started a run out of the six-yard box
towards the near post. Mr Evra ran with him. The corner was taken on 63 minutes and 5
seconds but by the time that Mr Suarez had flicked the ball on with his head into the
goalmouth area, the referee had blown his whistle to stop play.
87. Mr Evra and Mr Suarez are agreed that they spoke to each other in Spanish in the
goalmouth. Mr Evra said that he is not exactly fluent in Spanish but that he can easily
converse in Spanish. For Mr Suarez, Spanish is his native language as a Uruguayan. Mr
Evra told us that he began the conversation by saying "Concha de tu hermana". Mr Evra's
evidence was that this is a phrase used in Spanish like when you say "fucking hell" in 27
English, but the literal translation is "your sister's pussy". Mr Suarez did not hear Mr Evra
say this. One of the video clips that we have seen, taken from a close up angle behind the
goal, does appear to support Mr Evra's evidence that he started the conversation with this
comment.
88. Mr Suarez said that he did not hear this first comment from Mr Evra but that he heard him
whispering something. Mr Suarez told us that he then said "What did you say?" It does
seem from the video footage that Mr Suarez does say something at this point in response
to Mr Evra's opening comment.
89. Mr Evra told us that he then said to Mr Suarez "Porque me diste un golpe", meaning "Why
did you kick me?". The video footage shows that Mr Evra looked down at his knee then at
Mr Suarez's face as he asked this question, which does support his evidence that he asked
a question about being kicked in the knee. Mr Evra said that, when he asked that question,
he was in shock and upset at having been kicked in the knee by Mr Suarez. Mr Suarez
agrees that, at this point, Mr Evra asked him why he had kicked him, referring to the
earlier foul. That is largely the end of the agreement between them as to what was said in
the goalmouth.
90. Mr Evra's evidence was that, in response to his question "Why did you kick me?", Mr
Suarez replied "Porque tu eres negro". Mr Evra said that at the time Mr Suarez made that
comment, he (Mr Evra) understood it to mean "Because you are a ****". He now says
that he believes the words used by Mr Suarez mean "Because you are black". We shall
consider further below Mr Evra's understanding of the Spanish word "negro".
91. Mr Suarez said that he replied to Mr Evra's question "Why did you kick me?" by saying
"que habia sido una falta normal", meaning "it was just a normal foul". He said he
shrugged his shoulders and put his arms out in a gesture to say that there was nothing
serious about it. At this point on the video footage, Mr Suarez's face is obscured, but he
does appear to shrug his shoulders.
92. Mr Evra said that he followed up Mr Suarez's reply "Because you are black" by saying
"Habla otra vez asi, te voy a dar una porrada", which means "Say it to me again, I'm going
to punch you". Mr Suarez replied by saying "No hablo con los negros". Mr Evra said that, 28
at the time, he understood this to mean "I don't speak to niggers", although he now says it
means "I don't speak to blacks".
93. Mr Suarez's evidence was that Mr Evra replied to the comment "it was just a normal foul"
by saying "Ok, you kicked me, I'm going to kick you". Mr Suarez said in his witness
statement that his response was "Le dije que se callara e hice un gesto breve con mi mano
izquierda parecido a la mocion de un "pato cuando hace cuac" para indicarle que hablaba
mucho y deberia callarse", which was translated as "I told him to shut up and made a brief
gesture with my left hand like a "quacking" motion as if to say he was talking too much
and should be quiet".
94. Mr Evra said that after Mr Suarez said "I don't speak to blacks", he (Mr Evra) said "Ahora
te voy a dar realmente una porrada", which means "Okay, now I think I'm going to punch
you". To this he says that Mr Suarez replied "Dale, negro...negro...negro". At the time, Mr
Evra understood this to mean "Okay, ****, ****, ****". He now says it means "Okay,
blackie, blackie, blackie". The expert witnesses stated that the phrase "Dale, negro" can be
understood as "Bring it on, blackie" or "do it, blackie" or "go ahead, blackie" (see paragraph
184 below).
95. Mr Evra said that as Mr Suarez was speaking he reached out to touch Mr Evra's arm,
gesturing at his skin. Mr Evra said that Mr Suarez was drawing attention to the colour of
Mr Evra's skin. This gesture is clearly shown on the video footage, just as Mr Kuyt comes
between them. It seemed to us that Mr Suarez reached out and pinched Mr Evra's left
forearm. In cross-examination, Mr Evra said that at the time he did not realise that Mr
Suarez had pinched his arm. He was more focussed on his lips and what he was saying.
Mr Evra only realised that Mr Suarez had touched his arm in this way when he saw the
video footage later.
96. As to the pinching of Mr Evra's arm, Mr Suarez said this in paragraph 27 of his witness
statement:
"Evra did not back off and Dirk Kuyt was approaching us to stand between us. At
this point I touched PE's left arm in a pinching type movement. This all happened
very quickly. I was trying to defuse the situation and was trying to intimate to Evra
that he was not untouchable by reference to his question about the foul. Under no 29
circumstances was this action intended to be offensive and most certainly not
racially offensive. It was not in any way a reference to the colour of PE's skin.”
97. Mr Suarez said that at no point did he use the word "negro" during the exchange with Mr
Evra in the goalmouth.
98. At the time of these exchanges, there were other players in the six-yard box. These
included David De Gea, the Manchester United goalkeeper, Jonny Evans, the Manchester
United defender who was marking Dirk Kuyt, and Mr Kuyt himself. Mr De Gea, who is
Spanish, said that he did not hear any exchange between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez. It is
clear that there was an exchange of some sort between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez. We found
it unsurprising that Mr De Gea did not hear any exchange. He appears from the video
footage to be focused on the corner, and looking mainly in that direction. Mr Kuyt said
that he could not hear what was being said by Mr Evra and Mr Suarez but it seemed clear
to him that Mr Evra was trying to provoke Mr Suarez so he (Mr Kuyt) stepped between
them and told Mr Evra to leave Mr Suarez alone.
99. Mr Evra's evidence is that up to this point Mr Suarez had used the word "negro" or
“negros” five times in the goalmouth: "Because you are black", "I don't speak to blacks"
and "Okay, blackie, blackie, blackie".
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
The referee stops play
100. As Mr Kuyt stood between Mr Suarez and Mr Evra, Mr Suarez went on a run in
anticipation of the corner. Mr Evra ran with him as his marker. The referee signalled for
the corner to be taken and the ball was hit towards Mr Suarez. By the time that Mr Suarez
flicked the ball on with his head in the direction of the goalmouth, the referee had blown
his whistle to stop play.
101. Mr Marriner, the referee, explained that he had been told on his headset by the assistant
referee that there was a coming together between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez and to get them
over and tell them to cut it out. This must have been a reference to what had taken place in
the goalmouth.
102. We examined closely the video footage of this moment which took place in the 64th
minute. When the referee blew his whistle to stop play, Mr Evra and Mr Suarez were
standing close to each other, having just run and challenged for the corner. The referee
called them over to him. Mr Suarez said something to Mr Evra, then started to walk away.
There is a clear reaction by Mr Evra to Mr Suarez's comment. This is apparent in two
ways. First, there is a facial reaction by Mr Evra, akin to a look of surprise. Secondly,
whilst looking at the referee, Mr Evra points to Mr Suarez, first with his forefinger then
with his thumb. Mr Evra walks towards the referee and says something while pointing
back at Mr Suarez.
103. Mr Evra's evidence was that while he was walking towards the referee he said "ref, ref, he
just called me a fucking black". He said that he did not know whether the referee heard his
comment. The referee said something like "Calm down, Patrice, the game has been
brilliant, stop the pushing between you and Suarez, the game is going well."
104. Mr Suarez's evidence was that simultaneously with the blowing of the whistle, Mr Evra
said to him "Don't touch me, South American". Mr Suarez took this to be a reference to his
touching Mr Evra's arm on the goal-line a few moments earlier. Mr Suarez said that he
turned to Mr Evra and said "Por que, negro?". He said that he used the word "negro" at
this point in the way that he did when he was growing up in Uruguay, that is as a friendly
form of address to people seen as black or brown-skinned or even just black-haired. He
said that he used it in the same way that he did when he spoke to Glen Johnson, the black
Liverpool player. He said in no way was the use of the word "negro" intended to be
offensive or to be racially offensive. It was intended as an attempt at conciliation.
105. Mr Marriner, the referee, was shown the footage of this incident at the hearing. He had not
seen the footage before. He agreed that Mr Evra appeared to be saying something to the
referee as he walks in the referee's direction. Mr Marriner said that he could not recall
what was being said to him. He explained that he wanted to take control of the situation,
that the game had gone “swimmingly” up until that point with no confrontation between
any players, and he just wanted to get his point across to the players. He said that he told
the players to get on with it, and calm down. That is why he took charge of the situation
and really did not take on board what was being said to him.
106. We found Mr Marriner's account to be plausible and credible. He did take control in that
the players listened to what he had to say and did not say anything back to him. The fact
that Mr Marriner did not hear what Mr Evra said is not inconsistent with Mr Evra's
evidence that, as he walked towards the referee, he said "ref, ref, he just called me a
fucking black".
The referee stops play
100. As Mr Kuyt stood between Mr Suarez and Mr Evra, Mr Suarez went on a run in
anticipation of the corner. Mr Evra ran with him as his marker. The referee signalled for
the corner to be taken and the ball was hit towards Mr Suarez. By the time that Mr Suarez
flicked the ball on with his head in the direction of the goalmouth, the referee had blown
his whistle to stop play.
101. Mr Marriner, the referee, explained that he had been told on his headset by the assistant
referee that there was a coming together between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez and to get them
over and tell them to cut it out. This must have been a reference to what had taken place in
the goalmouth.
102. We examined closely the video footage of this moment which took place in the 64th
minute. When the referee blew his whistle to stop play, Mr Evra and Mr Suarez were
standing close to each other, having just run and challenged for the corner. The referee
called them over to him. Mr Suarez said something to Mr Evra, then started to walk away.
There is a clear reaction by Mr Evra to Mr Suarez's comment. This is apparent in two
ways. First, there is a facial reaction by Mr Evra, akin to a look of surprise. Secondly,
whilst looking at the referee, Mr Evra points to Mr Suarez, first with his forefinger then
with his thumb. Mr Evra walks towards the referee and says something while pointing
back at Mr Suarez.
103. Mr Evra's evidence was that while he was walking towards the referee he said "ref, ref, he
just called me a fucking black". He said that he did not know whether the referee heard his
comment. The referee said something like "Calm down, Patrice, the game has been
brilliant, stop the pushing between you and Suarez, the game is going well."
104. Mr Suarez's evidence was that simultaneously with the blowing of the whistle, Mr Evra
said to him "Don't touch me, South American". Mr Suarez took this to be a reference to his
touching Mr Evra's arm on the goal-line a few moments earlier. Mr Suarez said that he
turned to Mr Evra and said "Por que, negro?". He said that he used the word "negro" at
this point in the way that he did when he was growing up in Uruguay, that is as a friendly
form of address to people seen as black or brown-skinned or even just black-haired. He
said that he used it in the same way that he did when he spoke to Glen Johnson, the black
Liverpool player. He said in no way was the use of the word "negro" intended to be
offensive or to be racially offensive. It was intended as an attempt at conciliation.
105. Mr Marriner, the referee, was shown the footage of this incident at the hearing. He had not
seen the footage before. He agreed that Mr Evra appeared to be saying something to the
referee as he walks in the referee's direction. Mr Marriner said that he could not recall
what was being said to him. He explained that he wanted to take control of the situation,
that the game had gone “swimmingly” up until that point with no confrontation between
any players, and he just wanted to get his point across to the players. He said that he told
the players to get on with it, and calm down. That is why he took charge of the situation
and really did not take on board what was being said to him.
106. We found Mr Marriner's account to be plausible and credible. He did take control in that
the players listened to what he had to say and did not say anything back to him. The fact
that Mr Marriner did not hear what Mr Evra said is not inconsistent with Mr Evra's
evidence that, as he walked towards the referee, he said "ref, ref, he just called me a
fucking black".
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
So far it based on one persons word against the others.. even the ref did not back up Evra's claims when asked...
So far it based on one persons word against the others.. even the ref did not back up Evra's claims when asked...
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
This is the bit where they have him... He admits to using the word 'negro' in his statement...
Mr Suarez puts his hand on Mr Evra's head
107. After he had spoken to them, Mr Evra and Mr Suarez walked away from the referee in the
direction of the goalmouth. They walked side by side. Mr Suarez stretched out his left
arm, and put his left hand on the back of Mr Evra's head. Mr Evra immediately and firmly
pushed Mr Suarez's arm away. The referee called them back and spoke to them again. He
spoke first to Mr Suarez. The referee clasped Mr Suarez's two arms down by his side, and
spoke to him. He then spoke briefly to Mr Evra. Mr Evra made a comment as he and Mr
Suarez walked away. Mr Suarez can then be seen making a comment to Mr Evra.
108. Mr Evra's evidence on this incident was as follows. As he and Mr Suarez walked away
from the referee, Mr Suarez put his hand on Mr Evra's head. Mr Evra pushed his hand
away as he did not want Mr Suarez to touch him. The referee must have seen this as he
called them over and told them to calm down. The referee told Mr Suarez not to touch Mr
Evra as Mr Evra was saying he did not want Mr Suarez to touch him. As they walked
away Mr Suarez said something to Mr Evra but he did not remember what he said to him
or what Mr Evra said to Mr Suarez.
109. Mr Suarez's account was as follows. The referee called the players to him the first time. Mr
Suarez did not understand what the referee was saying but he gained the impression that
what he was doing was to say that they should each say sorry to each other and get on
with the game. As they walked away from the referee, Mr Suarez took his advice and
patted Mr Evra on the back of the head. According to Mr Suarez, this was "a friendly
gesture designed to be conciliatory" but Mr Evra reacted adversely to it and quite violently
pushed his arm away. At that point the referee called them both back again to him, spoke
to them again and, Mr Suarez believed, delivered the same message about getting on with
the game. There was no more conversation between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez for the rest of 32
the game. It will be noted that Mr Suarez makes no mention of the players talking to each
other as they walk away from the referee for the second time.
110. It is at this point in his witness statement, having referred to these incidents, that Mr
Suarez said at paragraph 35:
"It seems to me that PE misunderstood my use of the word negro. As I have said, it
was meant in a conciliatory and friendly way in the context in which I have used the
word throughout my life and as set out earlier in this Statement.
This is the bit where they have him... He admits to using the word 'negro' in his statement...
Mr Suarez puts his hand on Mr Evra's head
107. After he had spoken to them, Mr Evra and Mr Suarez walked away from the referee in the
direction of the goalmouth. They walked side by side. Mr Suarez stretched out his left
arm, and put his left hand on the back of Mr Evra's head. Mr Evra immediately and firmly
pushed Mr Suarez's arm away. The referee called them back and spoke to them again. He
spoke first to Mr Suarez. The referee clasped Mr Suarez's two arms down by his side, and
spoke to him. He then spoke briefly to Mr Evra. Mr Evra made a comment as he and Mr
Suarez walked away. Mr Suarez can then be seen making a comment to Mr Evra.
108. Mr Evra's evidence on this incident was as follows. As he and Mr Suarez walked away
from the referee, Mr Suarez put his hand on Mr Evra's head. Mr Evra pushed his hand
away as he did not want Mr Suarez to touch him. The referee must have seen this as he
called them over and told them to calm down. The referee told Mr Suarez not to touch Mr
Evra as Mr Evra was saying he did not want Mr Suarez to touch him. As they walked
away Mr Suarez said something to Mr Evra but he did not remember what he said to him
or what Mr Evra said to Mr Suarez.
109. Mr Suarez's account was as follows. The referee called the players to him the first time. Mr
Suarez did not understand what the referee was saying but he gained the impression that
what he was doing was to say that they should each say sorry to each other and get on
with the game. As they walked away from the referee, Mr Suarez took his advice and
patted Mr Evra on the back of the head. According to Mr Suarez, this was "a friendly
gesture designed to be conciliatory" but Mr Evra reacted adversely to it and quite violently
pushed his arm away. At that point the referee called them both back again to him, spoke
to them again and, Mr Suarez believed, delivered the same message about getting on with
the game. There was no more conversation between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez for the rest of 32
the game. It will be noted that Mr Suarez makes no mention of the players talking to each
other as they walk away from the referee for the second time.
110. It is at this point in his witness statement, having referred to these incidents, that Mr
Suarez said at paragraph 35:
"It seems to me that PE misunderstood my use of the word negro. As I have said, it
was meant in a conciliatory and friendly way in the context in which I have used the
word throughout my life and as set out earlier in this Statement.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
IX Summary
452. The length of these Reasons reflects the complexity of this case, the detailed arguments
that have been put before us, and the entitlement of those involved to know why we
reached the decision that we did.
453. It may be helpful if we summarise our Reasons, which we do as follows:
(1) Whether a player has used abusive or insulting words or behaviour is a matter
for us to decide as a Regulatory Commission, having regard to all the
circumstances of the case. These circumstances include the fact that many players
playing in England come from overseas, with a different language and culture.
112
However, we apply the standards that we consider appropriate to games played
in England under the FA Rules. Whether the words or behaviour are abusive or
insulting is an objective matter; it does not depend on whether the alleged
offender intended his words to be abusive or insulting (paragraphs 50 to 73
above).
(2) The burden of proof in this case is on the FA. The standard of proof is the flexible
civil standard of the balance of probability. The more serious the allegation,
taking into account the nature of the misconduct alleged and the content of the
case, the greater the burden of evidence required to prove the matter. The FA
accepted that the allegation against Mr Suarez was serious, as do we (paragraphs
74 to 80 above).
(3) We received expert evidence as to the use of the word "negro" in Uruguay and
other areas of Latin America. It is often used as a noun to address people,
whether family, friends or passers-by, and is widely seen as inoffensive.
However, its use can also be offensive. It depends on the context. It is inoffensive
when its use implies a sense of rapport or the attempt to create such rapport.
However, if it were used, for example, with a sneer, then it might carry negative
connotations. The Spanish language experts told us that if Mr Suarez said the
things that Mr Evra alleged, they would be considered racially offensive in
Uruguay and other regions of Latin America (paragraphs 162 to 202 above).
(4) Mr Evra was a credible witness. He gave his evidence in a calm, composed and
clear way. It was, for the most part, consistent, although both he and Mr Suarez
were understandably unable to remember every detail of the exchanges between
them (paragraphs 229 to 234 above).
(5) Mr Suarez's evidence was unreliable in relation to matters of critical importance.
It was, in part, inconsistent with the contemporaneous evidence, especially the
video footage. For example, Mr Suarez said that he pinched Mr Evra's skin in an
attempt to defuse the situation. He also said that his use of the word "negro" to
address Mr Evra was conciliatory and friendly. We rejected that evidence. To
113
describe his own behaviour in that way was unsustainable and simply incredible
given that the players were engaged in an acrimonious argument. That this was
put forward by Mr Suarez was surprising and seriously undermined the
reliability of his evidence on other matters (paragraphs 235 to 267 above). There
were also inconsistencies between his accounts given at different times as to
what happened (paragraphs 282 to 318).
(6) It was argued for Mr Suarez that Mr Evra invented the allegations to exact
vengeance for Mr Suarez's refusal to apologise for the foul on Mr Evra; that he
did so knowing that the allegations were false and that the complaint, if upheld,
would be damaging to a fellow professional, who Mr Evra did not think was a
racist. We rejected this argument as implausible and inconsistent with our
assessment of Mr Evra as a witness. No alternative explanation was suggested to
us as to why Mr Evra would make the allegations if untrue (paragraphs 323 to
337).
(7) Mr Suarez fouled Mr Evra in the 58th minute of the game. In the 63rd minute, Mr
Evra challenged Mr Suarez about the foul. Mr Evra used an offensive phrase,
which did not have any racial element and which Mr Suarez did not hear. An
acrimonious argument ensued in which both players had a go at each other. In
the course of this confrontation, Mr Suarez used the words "negro" or "negros"
seven times. He did so both before and after the referee had spoken to them and
told them to calm down. Mr Suarez addressed Mr Evra as "negro". He also made
other derogatory comments using the word. In the course of the argument, Mr
Suarez also pinched Mr Evra's skin (which was not in itself insulting behaviour
nor did it refer to Mr Evra's colour) and put his hand on the back of his head,
which were part of Mr Suarez's attempts to wind up Mr Evra (paragraphs 346 to
384 above).
(8) Mr Suarez's comments were made in the heat of the moment in response to being
confronted by Mr Evra about the foul. He did not use the word "negro" in a way
that could reasonably be translated as "nigger". He used the word “negro”
because Mr Evra is black (paragraphs 383, 274 above).
114
(9) Mr Suarez's words, which included a reference to Mr Evra's colour, were
insulting. The use of insulting words which include a reference to another
person's colour on a football pitch are wholly unacceptable (paragraphs 385 to
399 above).
(10) Had Mr Suarez been sent off for using insulting words (not including reference
to a person's colour), he would have received an automatic two-match
suspension. The guidance in the FA Rules suggested that our starting-point
should be to double that sanction, ie a four-match suspension. However, we
were entitled to increase or reduce the penalty further. We took account of
various aggravating and mitigating factors. As for the aggravating factors, Mr
Suarez used the word "negro" or "negros" seven times, in the course of an
acrimonious argument, and went beyond simply addressing Mr Evra as "negro".
Mr Suarez knew or ought to have known that these words were unacceptable,
particularly in view of the FA-supported campaigns against all forms of racism
in football. The words were targeted directly at Mr Evra, as part of Mr Suarez's
attempts to wind him up. As for the mitigating factors, Mr Suarez had a clean
record in relations to charges of this type. Mr Evra started the confrontation in
the goalmouth, in response to which Mr Suarez used the insulting words. Mr
Suarez is likely to suffer personal embarrassment as a result of his behaviour
coming to light through this decision. He has in the past supported, and
continues to support, a charitable project in South Africa designed to promote
multi-racial football. He is likely to have learned a lesson through the experience
of these proceedings, and said that he would not use the word "negro" on a
football pitch in England in the future (paragraphs 401 to 440 above).
(11) Balancing all these factors, we imposed an eight-match ban, a £40,000 fine and
gave Mr Suarez a warning as to his future conduct. We considered this to be an
appropriate and proportionate penalty in all the circumstances (paragraphs 441
to 446 above).
IX Summary
452. The length of these Reasons reflects the complexity of this case, the detailed arguments
that have been put before us, and the entitlement of those involved to know why we
reached the decision that we did.
453. It may be helpful if we summarise our Reasons, which we do as follows:
(1) Whether a player has used abusive or insulting words or behaviour is a matter
for us to decide as a Regulatory Commission, having regard to all the
circumstances of the case. These circumstances include the fact that many players
playing in England come from overseas, with a different language and culture.
112
However, we apply the standards that we consider appropriate to games played
in England under the FA Rules. Whether the words or behaviour are abusive or
insulting is an objective matter; it does not depend on whether the alleged
offender intended his words to be abusive or insulting (paragraphs 50 to 73
above).
(2) The burden of proof in this case is on the FA. The standard of proof is the flexible
civil standard of the balance of probability. The more serious the allegation,
taking into account the nature of the misconduct alleged and the content of the
case, the greater the burden of evidence required to prove the matter. The FA
accepted that the allegation against Mr Suarez was serious, as do we (paragraphs
74 to 80 above).
(3) We received expert evidence as to the use of the word "negro" in Uruguay and
other areas of Latin America. It is often used as a noun to address people,
whether family, friends or passers-by, and is widely seen as inoffensive.
However, its use can also be offensive. It depends on the context. It is inoffensive
when its use implies a sense of rapport or the attempt to create such rapport.
However, if it were used, for example, with a sneer, then it might carry negative
connotations. The Spanish language experts told us that if Mr Suarez said the
things that Mr Evra alleged, they would be considered racially offensive in
Uruguay and other regions of Latin America (paragraphs 162 to 202 above).
(4) Mr Evra was a credible witness. He gave his evidence in a calm, composed and
clear way. It was, for the most part, consistent, although both he and Mr Suarez
were understandably unable to remember every detail of the exchanges between
them (paragraphs 229 to 234 above).
(5) Mr Suarez's evidence was unreliable in relation to matters of critical importance.
It was, in part, inconsistent with the contemporaneous evidence, especially the
video footage. For example, Mr Suarez said that he pinched Mr Evra's skin in an
attempt to defuse the situation. He also said that his use of the word "negro" to
address Mr Evra was conciliatory and friendly. We rejected that evidence. To
113
describe his own behaviour in that way was unsustainable and simply incredible
given that the players were engaged in an acrimonious argument. That this was
put forward by Mr Suarez was surprising and seriously undermined the
reliability of his evidence on other matters (paragraphs 235 to 267 above). There
were also inconsistencies between his accounts given at different times as to
what happened (paragraphs 282 to 318).
(6) It was argued for Mr Suarez that Mr Evra invented the allegations to exact
vengeance for Mr Suarez's refusal to apologise for the foul on Mr Evra; that he
did so knowing that the allegations were false and that the complaint, if upheld,
would be damaging to a fellow professional, who Mr Evra did not think was a
racist. We rejected this argument as implausible and inconsistent with our
assessment of Mr Evra as a witness. No alternative explanation was suggested to
us as to why Mr Evra would make the allegations if untrue (paragraphs 323 to
337).
(7) Mr Suarez fouled Mr Evra in the 58th minute of the game. In the 63rd minute, Mr
Evra challenged Mr Suarez about the foul. Mr Evra used an offensive phrase,
which did not have any racial element and which Mr Suarez did not hear. An
acrimonious argument ensued in which both players had a go at each other. In
the course of this confrontation, Mr Suarez used the words "negro" or "negros"
seven times. He did so both before and after the referee had spoken to them and
told them to calm down. Mr Suarez addressed Mr Evra as "negro". He also made
other derogatory comments using the word. In the course of the argument, Mr
Suarez also pinched Mr Evra's skin (which was not in itself insulting behaviour
nor did it refer to Mr Evra's colour) and put his hand on the back of his head,
which were part of Mr Suarez's attempts to wind up Mr Evra (paragraphs 346 to
384 above).
(8) Mr Suarez's comments were made in the heat of the moment in response to being
confronted by Mr Evra about the foul. He did not use the word "negro" in a way
that could reasonably be translated as "nigger". He used the word “negro”
because Mr Evra is black (paragraphs 383, 274 above).
114
(9) Mr Suarez's words, which included a reference to Mr Evra's colour, were
insulting. The use of insulting words which include a reference to another
person's colour on a football pitch are wholly unacceptable (paragraphs 385 to
399 above).
(10) Had Mr Suarez been sent off for using insulting words (not including reference
to a person's colour), he would have received an automatic two-match
suspension. The guidance in the FA Rules suggested that our starting-point
should be to double that sanction, ie a four-match suspension. However, we
were entitled to increase or reduce the penalty further. We took account of
various aggravating and mitigating factors. As for the aggravating factors, Mr
Suarez used the word "negro" or "negros" seven times, in the course of an
acrimonious argument, and went beyond simply addressing Mr Evra as "negro".
Mr Suarez knew or ought to have known that these words were unacceptable,
particularly in view of the FA-supported campaigns against all forms of racism
in football. The words were targeted directly at Mr Evra, as part of Mr Suarez's
attempts to wind him up. As for the mitigating factors, Mr Suarez had a clean
record in relations to charges of this type. Mr Evra started the confrontation in
the goalmouth, in response to which Mr Suarez used the insulting words. Mr
Suarez is likely to suffer personal embarrassment as a result of his behaviour
coming to light through this decision. He has in the past supported, and
continues to support, a charitable project in South Africa designed to promote
multi-racial football. He is likely to have learned a lesson through the experience
of these proceedings, and said that he would not use the word "negro" on a
football pitch in England in the future (paragraphs 401 to 440 above).
(11) Balancing all these factors, we imposed an eight-match ban, a £40,000 fine and
gave Mr Suarez a warning as to his future conduct. We considered this to be an
appropriate and proportionate penalty in all the circumstances (paragraphs 441
to 446 above).
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
Mr Evra's comments to his team-mates
117. There was no evidence of any further exchanges between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez during
the remaining 25 minutes or so of the game. Two goals were scored in that period, first by
Steven Gerrard in the 69th minute, followed by a Hernandez equaliser in the 81st minute.
118. We received evidence from four of Mr Evra's team-mates about what happened
immediately after the game. They were Valencia, Hernandez, Nani and Anderson. Their
evidence was given in the form of written witness statements. These were served on Mr
Suarez on 16 November 2011 with the Charge letter. Mr Suarez did not require any of
these four players to attend the hearing for cross-examination and so Mr Suarez accepted
their evidence in full. We proceeded, therefore, on the basis that the evidence contained in
those witness statements is true and sets out what did, in fact, happen immediately after
the game.
119. As the players went into the dressing room at the end of the game, Mr Evra was really
angry and upset. Valencia said he could see it. He explained that Mr Evra is not normally
angry after games. Mr Evra said that he was angry because Mr Suarez had insulted him.
120. Mr Evra was speaking a mix of Spanish and Portuguese. All the Spanish and Portuguese
players at Manchester United speak to each other like this so that they can all understand
and talk to each other.
121. Valencia said this:
"I cannot remember exactly the words Evra used but he said that Suarez had said
that he wouldn't speak to him because he was black. I think the words Evra used
were words similar to "Negro, no hablas conmigo"."
122. Hernandez saw that Mr Evra was angry and upset. He said this:
"Although I was stood with the medical staff, I could clearly hear Evra as he was
speaking loudly. He said that during the game, Suarez said to him words similar to
"No voy a platicar contigo porque eres negro".
I understood from what Evra said that Suarez had been racially abusive towards him
and that he had told Evra that he would not speak to him because he was black."
123. Nani said that he always sits close to Mr Evra in the dressing room and at the end of the
game when he came into the dressing room, Mr Evra was upset. Nani said:
"I cannot remember exactly what Evra said but he was complaining that Suarez had
said something racist towards him. He said that Suarez had said that he wouldn't
talk to him because he was black. When he said this in English I think he used the 35
word "****" but in Spanish/Portuguese he used the word "negro" or "preto", I
cannot remember exactly which.
Evra was also angry that Suarez had not been booked for saying what he did. Evra
said something like, "This is a joke. How is it possible that the referee does nothing
when he knows what happened?" Evra said that he had told the referee what Suarez
said to him."
124. Anderson said that Mr Evra was really angry in the dressing room after the match. He
said:
"I cannot remember all the exact words Evra used but he told us that Suarez had said
to him on the pitch that he wouldn't speak to Evra because he was black. I think he
used words similar to "no hablo con negro"."
125. Mr Evra said in evidence that some of the other players could see that he was upset and
asked him what was wrong. He said that Mr Suarez had called him a **** and said that
he had kicked him because of that. Mr Evra said that he told the other players that Mr
Suarez had said "porque tu eres negro". We note that Mr Evra did not say in his own
evidence that he had told his team-mates that Mr Suarez had said he would not speak to
him because he was black. However, we accept that Mr Evra did say this to his teammates
after the match because that is what all four of them say in their statements and
their evidence has been accepted in full by Mr Suarez. It is possible that Mr Evra also told
them that Mr Suarez had said he had kicked him "porque tu eres negro", and this was not
recalled by the players.
126. Valencia and Anderson told Mr Evra that he must tell the manager and go and see the
referee because this was serious. When Sir Alex Ferguson and Mr Evra left the dressing
room to go and speak to the referee, Valencia and Anderson followed them. They wanted
to support Mr Evra but they were not allowed into the referee's room, only Mr Evra and
Sir Alex Ferguson went in.
Mr Evra's comments to his team-mates
117. There was no evidence of any further exchanges between Mr Evra and Mr Suarez during
the remaining 25 minutes or so of the game. Two goals were scored in that period, first by
Steven Gerrard in the 69th minute, followed by a Hernandez equaliser in the 81st minute.
118. We received evidence from four of Mr Evra's team-mates about what happened
immediately after the game. They were Valencia, Hernandez, Nani and Anderson. Their
evidence was given in the form of written witness statements. These were served on Mr
Suarez on 16 November 2011 with the Charge letter. Mr Suarez did not require any of
these four players to attend the hearing for cross-examination and so Mr Suarez accepted
their evidence in full. We proceeded, therefore, on the basis that the evidence contained in
those witness statements is true and sets out what did, in fact, happen immediately after
the game.
119. As the players went into the dressing room at the end of the game, Mr Evra was really
angry and upset. Valencia said he could see it. He explained that Mr Evra is not normally
angry after games. Mr Evra said that he was angry because Mr Suarez had insulted him.
120. Mr Evra was speaking a mix of Spanish and Portuguese. All the Spanish and Portuguese
players at Manchester United speak to each other like this so that they can all understand
and talk to each other.
121. Valencia said this:
"I cannot remember exactly the words Evra used but he said that Suarez had said
that he wouldn't speak to him because he was black. I think the words Evra used
were words similar to "Negro, no hablas conmigo"."
122. Hernandez saw that Mr Evra was angry and upset. He said this:
"Although I was stood with the medical staff, I could clearly hear Evra as he was
speaking loudly. He said that during the game, Suarez said to him words similar to
"No voy a platicar contigo porque eres negro".
I understood from what Evra said that Suarez had been racially abusive towards him
and that he had told Evra that he would not speak to him because he was black."
123. Nani said that he always sits close to Mr Evra in the dressing room and at the end of the
game when he came into the dressing room, Mr Evra was upset. Nani said:
"I cannot remember exactly what Evra said but he was complaining that Suarez had
said something racist towards him. He said that Suarez had said that he wouldn't
talk to him because he was black. When he said this in English I think he used the 35
word "****" but in Spanish/Portuguese he used the word "negro" or "preto", I
cannot remember exactly which.
Evra was also angry that Suarez had not been booked for saying what he did. Evra
said something like, "This is a joke. How is it possible that the referee does nothing
when he knows what happened?" Evra said that he had told the referee what Suarez
said to him."
124. Anderson said that Mr Evra was really angry in the dressing room after the match. He
said:
"I cannot remember all the exact words Evra used but he told us that Suarez had said
to him on the pitch that he wouldn't speak to Evra because he was black. I think he
used words similar to "no hablo con negro"."
125. Mr Evra said in evidence that some of the other players could see that he was upset and
asked him what was wrong. He said that Mr Suarez had called him a **** and said that
he had kicked him because of that. Mr Evra said that he told the other players that Mr
Suarez had said "porque tu eres negro". We note that Mr Evra did not say in his own
evidence that he had told his team-mates that Mr Suarez had said he would not speak to
him because he was black. However, we accept that Mr Evra did say this to his teammates
after the match because that is what all four of them say in their statements and
their evidence has been accepted in full by Mr Suarez. It is possible that Mr Evra also told
them that Mr Suarez had said he had kicked him "porque tu eres negro", and this was not
recalled by the players.
126. Valencia and Anderson told Mr Evra that he must tell the manager and go and see the
referee because this was serious. When Sir Alex Ferguson and Mr Evra left the dressing
room to go and speak to the referee, Valencia and Anderson followed them. They wanted
to support Mr Evra but they were not allowed into the referee's room, only Mr Evra and
Sir Alex Ferguson went in.
Re: The Suarez/Evra Racism Row (continued)
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