United accept Liverpool apologies (From Gazette)

United accept Liverpool apologies

4:24pm Sunday 12th February 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2011

Manchester United have accepted the apologies of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish over their actions at Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Old Trafford.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez "a disgrace" and said he should never play for Liverpool again after he refused to shake hands with United defender Patrice Evra prior to the match, having racially abused the Frenchman at Anfield in October.

The Uruguayan apologised for his actions on Sunday, as did Dalglish who batted away questions about Suarez's conduct during a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Dalglish and Reds managing director Ian Ayre both said they had been misled by Suarez, who had indicated to them he would shake Evra's hand.

United issued a statement under the heading "Reds accept rivals' apology" which read: "Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday's game.

"Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football.

"That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."