Mud Slinging

Patrice Evra (Man Utd and France defender) alleges that Liverpool's Luis Suarez racially abused him on numerous occasions during last Saturday's Liverpool v Man Utd Premier League clash which ended 1 - 1. Uruguayan Suarez denies the accusation stating on Twitter that he was 'upset' by the allegations. The FA  are investigating and will need to interview Evra first to establish precisely what he is alleging. If there is a case to answer, Suarez will then be interviewed. Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of the accusations, but did not hear any abuse himself. Evra suggested that TV cameras would have picked up what Suarez was saying, but thus far no such footage has been made available.
Evra has been involved in a number of previous allegations of racism. In April 2008 he was involved in an altercation with a Chelsea goundsman and it was alleged by United staff that he had been called 'a fucking immigrant'. An FA inquiry did not find this accusation to be substantiated due to inconsistencies in the witness accounts of those staff. Evra was also previously alleged to be the victim of racist abuse by then Liverpool player, Steve Finnan. Deaf TV viewers suggested that Finnan had used racist language to Evra, but again this was never substantiated and Evra himself did not pursue this.
Liverpool have suggested that Evra himself should be banned if these new allegations prove to be false.
There are no time limits on the FA inquiry, but both clubs will be hoping that this matter is swiftly dealt with to avoid an escalation of ill feeling at a moment when both clubs were trying to foster a more healthy atmosphere of mutual respect. Whether true or not, the unsavoury side of the game has dominated the headlines and diminished the sport.