Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish reiterated his support for Luis Suarez on Thursday as the Uruguayan striker's disciplinary hearing over allegations of racist abuse continued.
Dalglish declined to comment directly on the charges embroiling Suarez, who is accused of abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the two rivals' clash at Anfield in October.
However Dalglish reaffirmed the club's determination to fight the allegations against Suarez, who could face a substantial ban if found guilty.
"We have said many times before we cannot say anything which will be prejudicial," Dalglish said.
"We are standing right beside him and helping him as much as we possibly can.
"After it's finished there is a chance to have a conversation.
"As I said last week the FA should have given you (the media) the information when everything was happening, not us."
Evra told French television immediately after the October 15 clash that Suarez had used a racist insult to him "at least 10 times".
Evra later reported his complaint to match referee Andre Marriner, who included it in his report.
The FA formally charged Suarez last month with using "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" towards Evra.
"It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra," said the FA.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that the three-man panel conducting the hearing is likely to issue its ruling on Friday.
According to the Telegraph, Suarez will admit using the word "negro" once, arguing that it was intended as a descriptive expression and not deemed offensive in his native Uruguay.
Liverpool are also expected to attempt to cast doubt on the veracity of Evra's allegations by citing the official report into a 2008 scuffle between the French international and Chelsea groundstaff, which branded the defender's testimony "exaggerated and unreliable."
Source: AFP
