Grover

I agree, and this is where much of my problem lies. If Suarez did not wish to shake Evra's hand then so be it, but in such case why did a) the club not exert pressure on the FA and cite precedent from QPR vs Chelsea to have the handshake called off, or b) Kenny come out in the press and suggest that Suarez would shake his hand? It all smacks of Suarez telling the club he would go ahead with it, then reneging on his comments.

I cannot believe I am microanalysing a handshake, but if you carefully watch the latter part of this video youll see Evra's hand raises up. I will not be engaging in much more debate on this topic, as I feel discussion around it is fairly myopic and tiresome. One must accept that Suarez did not want to shake Evra's hand and judge froim that point.

I have watched this video numerous times and I can only conclude that Evra's hand starts out further back than previous handshakes, but he does push it forward in anticipation of meeting Suarez's. I simply cannot see anything bar what I have just mentioned, and it is fanciful to suggest toherwise. This is a situation where one must accept that Suarez chose not to produce his hand into Evra's slimy grip.

Well thats that settled then.

I cannot fathom why they didnt give him pleasant entry into the dressing room and then allow skrtel to block the door after he was inside. As an aside, I would not like to front up to either Skrtel or Agger. Scary chaps.

What on earth is this claptrap?

In fairness, the video tells a different story to some aptly chosen still frames.

He got the wrong side of Rooney for the first goal, but equally that could be traced back to Henderson knocking the ball off Gerrards head and failing to clear it. On the second goal, Spearings poor play was to blame. Your claims are just an effort to attack the usual scapegoat.

It always amuses me that the majority of criticisms levelled at Mr Johnson seem to surface after the entire team has put in a poor showing. Its not surprising he looked defensively abject given the entire team was fairly useless in this regard today.

Ravel Morrison was only let go because he wouldnt sign a new contract. They were keen to keep him.

I do agree with this sentiment. The FA should have had the sense to call it off, under pressure from the club. The way it has panned out suggests that Suarez *may* have indicated to the club that he intended to shake hands then changed his mind.

Fergusons Top Mate Geoff Shreeves posed this question, and Ferguson agreed with the sentiment that Rio only declined because Suarez declined, therefore Rio's actions were acceptable.

I still cannot fathom this, given this is the second time we've played them since. "GET IN LADS!!!! we beat them at the second opportunity"

Indeed, I think it was "With the history of the club that has gone".

Dont be so hasty young man. Spearing is necessary for the team when Lucas is injured and the problem with the team was the personnel around him, rather than him himself. Henderson was anonymous and Adam looked incredibly assured when he entered the play, and thus in my opinion should have started. Similarly, Downing should have been left at home rather than given a spot. I was disgusted by his inclusion over Bellamy, and was similarly shocked to see Carroll on the bench. Geoff Shreeves is also a vile man.

Neville didnt say that at all - quite the opposite in fact. "I cant understand players who celebrate like that, in games like this." Whilst laughing.

Bless young Jamie today. He has been a useful defender of the liverpool cause today.

Good man Kenny, stick up his tight a***.

It is. Shaking hands is about respect and sportsmanship, and Evra's pitiful reaction was lacking in both of those measures. What amuses me is that this is the second time they have played Liverpool since, and it makes him seem like a fool. I would also imagine Suarez would be hung drawn and quartered if he had celebrated in such a fashion, regardless of who it was to. A good example of this is the abuse he took for celebrating his countries win against Ghana in the World Cup.

This is too much, if Im honest. Dont be silly.

What a weasel Alan Smith is. Surely one must question why he cares so much about this game when they have already lost to Liverpool last week? Oh, thats right. He's a c***.

"Contrary to the insistence of Evra, it must be noted that none of the stewards, police, teammates or innocent bystanders heard any remarks. We do, however, feel it is unlikely that Mr Evra would be so distressed if a comment had not been made, therefore we believe it to be true. Furthermore, Mr John Henry confirmed that the club cleaner heard it from the opponent kitman proving that said comment was in fact made."

At least its not Webb.

To all of the above - I appreciate what you mention RE: Downing and Carroll, and indeed, I would not be too displeased if that combination were to start, but I do feel Bellamy and Kuyt offer a great deal defensively. This could be key in a match of this magnitude.

I am of the correct opinion that we start with Bellamy, Carroll and Kuyt, for numerous reasons. Firstly, we are playing away and this selection allows greater solidity. Secondly, and more importantly I feel, it protects Suarez from a cauldron of abuse that he is likely to be subjected to. Some may feel the latter point is reason to include him in the starting lineup, but I personally feel that he is better used in an emergency situation in this game. I must also point out that I feel tactically the above selection is of greater interest.