Ferguson and Dalglish: Rival managers

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United accept Liverpool apology

Manchester United have accepted the apologies of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish following an abrasive encounter between the clubs at the weekend.

Tension flared before the match as Suarez - who served an eight-game ban for racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra in October - refused to shake the Frenchman’s hand.

United’s Rio Ferdinand then declined Suarez’s hand to set an unpleasant tone for the contest, which the Red Devils won via a Wayne Rooney brace. Evra also courted criticism for wildly celebrating victory at the final whistle in a clear attempt to goad Suarez.

Dalglish, unaware of Suarez’s pre-match snub of Evra, gave an interview after the game, with him later apologising for taking the Uruguayan’s side.

Suarez also issued his own apology, which read: “I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong.

“I’ve not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I’m sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.

“I should have shaken Patrice Evra’s hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.

“I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football.”

United have responded with a statement of their own 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.”