Suarez's handball helps Liverpool win in FA Cup

After Daniel Sturridge put Liverpool ahead with a goal on debut in the first half, Suarez extended the lead in the 59th minute by bringing the ball down with his hand before kicking it into the net.

Despite Suarez looking uncomfortable after scoring, appearing to expect the goal to be ruled out, it was awarded and proved to be decisive following Matt Green's later strike for Mansfield.

“There's no doubt it was handball but the referee and the officials ruled it wasn't deliberate,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. “I spoke to the fourth official when it was given because I couldn't see and he said it was (handball), so I can only assume they thought it wasn't deliberate.”

And Rodgers said it wasn't up to Suarez to ask the referee to rule his goal out.

“It's up to the officials to decide that,” Rodgers said. “That's why they get paid as officials.”

The goal revived memories of the incident that overshadowed the Uruguay striker's 2010 World Cup campaign. In that instance, he deliberately handled on the goal line to block Ghana from scoring and was sent off. Ghana missed the subsequent penalty, sparking celebrations by Suarez on the sideline, and Uruguay advanced to the semifinals.

While the Ghanaians were furious with Suarez, Mansfield was more accepting.

“I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt and say it's a reaction,” manager Paul Cox said, adding: “If it had gone in the other end and one of our players had done it I think we'd have accepted it ... I don't think you can call him a cheat.”

But in the closing stages of the match, Mansfield fans were chanting “cheat” at Suarez, whose reputation in England took a hit in 2011 when he received an eight-match ban for racially abusing an opponent.

“He has a thick skin. He's had it throughout his career and his life in this country as a football player,” Rodgers said. “That's part of his life. He deals with it remarkably well and now supporters recognize him for his qualities, which is the most important thing.”

1|2|Next Page>>

SHARE CLOSE
Blogger		Google+
Live Journal		Plurk
Stumble Upon

Tweet

	PREVIOUS ARTICLE
	Agent says Chelsea's Frank Lampard won't get new deal: reports

NEXT ARTICLE
Messi, Ronaldo score in Ballon d'Or prelude

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email

Submit