Bitter seems to be a very popular word at the moment, just think of the weather that has affected the country in the last week or so.

Over on Merseyside, Kenny Dalglish has done his best to remind everybody that the word is not exclusively associated with meteorological elements or beer.

The Liverpool manager is still incensed at the suspension received by Luis Suarez, after the Uruguayan striker had racially abused Patrice Evra.

Nevermind that Suarez admitted addressing Evra with a word that is considered friendly banter in his country – a fact which has, by the way, never been confirmed.

Never mind the fact that different voices within the football community have offered support to Evra and to players victim of racist remark or that even Sir Alex declared that it was in everyone’s interest to move on.

Not even the fact that Suarez was back against Spurs on Monday night could placate Dalglish.

He was defiant and could barely contain his rage, claiming that “Suarez shouldn’t have been banned in the first place”.

Dalglish has cut an increasingly frustrated figure since he made his comeback in January last year – against United, of all teams – but even for a man who claimed that fans abusing Suarez “are something the FA should clamp on”, while fans abusing Evra “are just having a bit of banter”, this was a step too far.

Forget the pathetic t-shirts in support of Suarez, or the constant denial of his wrongdoing.

By claiming that Suarez shouldn’t have been suspended Dalglish has not only seriously undermined the FA’s decision but also, albeit more subtly, given the impression that, if a player is guilty of racial abuse, he should not face punishment.

It’s a quite extraordinary position to take, particularly since the FA has made clear that racism has no place in football.

Furthermore, with United-Liverpool less than a week away, Dalglish had no reason to stoke the fire up.

Tomorrow’s clash would have been a tense affair even without his comments.

Liverpool fans will be ready to point out the support Eric Cantona received from the United fans after his ban but it’s worth mentioning that, as bad and despicable as attacking a fan might be, insulting a player – or indeed any other human being – because of his colour,ethnicity or religion is utterly disgraceful and smacks of cowardice.

Furthermore, unlike Liverpool have done with Suarez, United were ready to ban Cantona to send out a strong message.

Time to wake up Kenny, it’s 2012 now and, yes you won’t believe this, you’re no longer the most successful club in England.

19.

 

Daniele (@MUFC_dan87)