Source: Daily_Mail
Luis Suarez - Patrice Evra racism row: PFA's Gordon Taylor ready to mediate
Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor is ready to act as a mediator in the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra race row. [LNB]The Football Association are investigating a complaint from Manchester United defender Evra, who accused Liverpool striker Suarez of racially abusing him during Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Anfield. [LNB]Suarez has said he was 'upset' by Evra's allegation, which he has categorically denied. [LNB] Clash: Luis Suarez (left) has been accused of racism by Patrice Evra (right)[LNB] [LNB] Flashpoint: The pair were involved in angry exchanges at the weekend[LNB] Netted a point: Manchester United grabbed a 1-1 draw against Liverpool[LNB]Speaking at the Professional Players Federation (PPF) annual conference on Monday, Taylor said he would be prepared to mediate between the players if necessary. [LNB]He said: 'It's something we've done in the past and it's something I hope we'll be asked to do in the future. We need to try to cool down and reflect on what happened and to contact the FA and see what form their inquiry will take. [LNB] Fly away: Evra and the United squad have flown to Bucharest for their midweek Champions League match[LNB]'It's good to get this put behind us as quickly as possible instead of letting these things fester and become blown up again.'[LNB] He added: 'It's very disappointing to have two of our players from different countries at odds over a very serious issue. [LNB]'Only by having a full inquiry on such matters can we get to the bottom of it and try to make sure that such problems don't arise again in the future.'[LNB] PPF chairman Brendon Batson, a campaigner for greater black and ethnic minority representation in the game, said: 'Obviously, something has gone on to the extent that Evra made a complaint, and I know that Suarez has denied making any comment. [LNB]'For the good of the game, and for the reputation of the players involved and the clubs involved, we need to get to the bottom of it.'[LNB] Evra made an accusation of racism three years ago against a member Chelsea's ground staff, a claim that was ultimately dismissed. [LNB]Batson was confident the authorities treated every allegation 'seriously'. He added: 'It's on the evidence that's available.[LNB] 'Upset': The Uruguay striker has denied the French defender's allegations[LNB] [LNB] Come together: Gordon Taylor is ready to step in to resolve the row[LNB]'I know the referee didn't hear it but he included it is his report because of the complaint from Evra. Whatever investigation is going to be done has to be thorough and very transparent as well.'[LNB] Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley believes any footballer guilty of racism must face 'severe action' from both the Football Association and the club but stressed 'you would have to be able to prove it beyond reasonable doubt'. [LNB] Potential mediator: PFA chief Taylor[LNB]The head of football's equality and inclusion campaign said in a statement: 'There were incidents in the second half (of Saturday's match) and Evra seemed to get very agitated so something was obviously bugging him because he was quite incensed. [LNB]'But if this happened he should have brought it to the attention of the referee at the time. [LNB]'No doubt the FA will take the matter seriously and consider the complaint fully in order for them to take appropriate action.'[LNB] Ironically the allegations have arisen at the start of Kick It Out's One Game, One Community campaign which runs until October 31 and features, among other fixtures, Liverpool's home match to Norwich this weekend. [LNB]The programme is part of a simultaneous initiative across the continent with Football Against Racism in Europe's Action Week, with this week's matches in the Champions League and Europa League being used as a basis for activities at 40 matches. [LNB]Throughout Kick It Out's 18-day campaign in the UK clubs will be making holding match-day events at their dedicated fixture with players wearing T-shirts promoting the initiative. [LNB] Now prove it! FA to grill race row pair as Suarez denies Evra claims'Upset' Suarez hits back in race row with Evra after pair clashed in Anfield draRacist fury: Liverpool star Suarez called me the N-word, claims EvraAll the latest Liverpool FC news, features and opinionAll the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinion[LNB]
