Liverpool director: Club has been tarnished

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre believes the club’s image has been damaged following accusations of racism.

He also warned Luis Suarez – found guilty of abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra – to expect to be a target for opposition fans when he returns from his ban.

The Uruguayan is currently serving an eight-match suspension after Liverpool decided against appealing the English FA sanction imposed when he was found guilty of abusing Evra.

Liverpool have been caught up in further controversy after the club’s fans allegedly racially taunted Oldham Athletic’s Tom Adeyemi during the FA Cup clash between the two clubs on January 6, and Ayre concedes that it has been a ‘difficult time’ for the Anfield outfit.

“The perception of how we are or have been over the past few weeks is not how we want it,” he told the BBC.

“It has been a difficult time for everyone at the club. The key for us is that this club want to fight racism and discrimination.”

Suarez will be available for selection again when Kenny Dalglish’s side face Tottenham on February 6, although Ayre said he expected he will be in for a tough time from opposition fans for the rest of the campaign.

“It has been a difficult period but we will get through it,” he said.

“It will be tough, we shouldn’t kid ourselves that opposing fans are going to give him (Suarez) the best of times. We made a decision, Luis made a decision, not to appeal and the reason we did that was to move on.”

“The best way he can come back is to get on the pitch and score some goals, and that’s what everyone will expect of him.”

Dalglish reflected on the investigation surrounding the alleged abuse of Adeyemi in his program notes before to Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Stoke City, insisting the club was ‘deeply sorry for what happened’.

“Whatever the outcome of that investigation, we are deeply sorry for what happened,” he wrote.

“We do not want and will not tolerate racism or discrimination anywhere near football, and certainly not anywhere near this football club. The club is blessed with a worldwide fan base, made up of different nationalities and diverse cultures, all of whom come together as part of the Liverpool family.

“We will give any help we can to Tom, Oldham Athletic and the police to ensure this incident is dealt with properly.”