LIVERPOOL FC striker Luis Suarez has found himself an unlikely ally in Sam Allardyce after the West Ham United boss became the latest figure in the Premier League to round on Manchester United, and the perceived advantages they receive both on the pitch and in the media.
Yesterday, Suarez hit the headlines after giving an interview to FOX Argentina, broadcast in South America, in which he once again stated his belief that Manchester United control the media in the UK, leading to him being unfairly singled out for criticism.
“I have my conscience clean. But as I have said Manchester United controls the media, they are powerful and the media will always help them.”
The Uruguayan continued: “Sometimes on the pitch I say to myself ‘what have I done?’ But the name of Suarez sells papers.
“Recently I touched the ball with my hand accidentally, and I was criticised because I kissed my hand [his usual celebration].
“The media make up a lot of things about me because they want to sell papers. I say to the media: you should talk more about football, not about other stuff.
“I can help Liverpool. We are united and we can play well. But Liverpool doesn’t depend on me.”
After last night’s FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford, Sam Allardyce became the latest high-profile name to suggest United benefit from an unfair advantage in this country.
The Hammers boss saw his side lose 1-0 to United in the FA Cup 3rd round reply, but was left feeling aggrieved when his side were denied a penalty, whilst the same offence saw United awarded one.
“You see it time and time again at Old Trafford,” Allardyce said.
“There’s no doubt about the difference between Rafael’s handball and Jordan Spence’s. Spence plays for West Ham and the away team, while Rafael plays for the home side at Old Trafford.
“With Rafael, the ball hits his hand but no penalty is given. With Jordan Spence, the ball hits his hand and it’s a penalty. The incidents are the same. If you give one you’ve got to give both, simple as that.”
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When Ferguson is gone most their power will too. Refs are scared of him and what his words will do to their careers..
I totally agree. Call me Mr cynical I suppose it also helps having Mr Gill working in the upper echelons of the FA !!
I dont understand why more managers and players dont speak up over the influence and pressure Ferguson puts on referrees at Old Trafford
At last Allardyce has seen the light!! Perhaps if more managers were to air their Manu grievances the overbearing bias towards UTD will change. Why are people in the media so scared of Ferguson?
As for Suarez, the guy has every right to speak his mind. He has been unfairly vilified by fans and media alike. OK, he is no angel but surely his quality should be admired and seen as a blessing for the premier league.
Tank God ppl are beginin to see reasons. Now that it has happen to Westham Allardyce is complaining, b4 the will see it happen to other clubs bt the will keep quite. Suarez has been unfairly treated bcus of that old ferguson n co. Anyway let more managers cum out n talk nw b4 it cost them havoc, imagin dat game to be a final of a cup competion, den de hv lost it be dat
Its about 20 years too late . the fker will be retiring soon
why is it whiskynose is the only manager who goes to refs general meetings…nobody else bothers!!!the fa should not have club directors on their board(gill)…conspiracy!!
Fat Sam is just saying this to appease the West Ham fans, he wouldn’t cross the road to help Liverpool and is so far up Whisky Nose’s backside it’s embarassing.
You’re quite right, but it’s still unusual for him, as part of Fergie’s mafia, to speak out
A Spurs fan here, it’s funny when Rafa stated this in this “Facts” rant everyone laughed at him, it’s being going on for years… look at the Carol incident. All credit to what Rudolph’s achieved but is sad the way’s he gone about it.
Im absolutely disgusted and ashamed after Rodgers came out and criticised Suarez for admitting diving v Stoke
Punishing Suarez for being honest is outrageous and wrong . Everyone knew Suarez dived v Stoke , has it taken Rodgers 3 months to figure it out ?
No , this is unacceptable behaviour from a Liverpool manager , we want people to be honest at our club , its disgusting to see the likes of Bale lie on tv about his diving , or Wenger denying seeing anything his players do wrong
Rodgers is an embarrassment to LFC today
I think the writing is on the wall for Suarez. This could be one embarrassment too many for the club. I believe he will go in the summer, sadly.
Rodgers should be sacked immediately and every effort made to keep Suarez at Liverpool
Mate, the club has continuously backed Suarez to the hilt.The Suarez rant about UTD and the media is bang on, but to admit to a particular dive has done himself and the club no favours whatsoever. Rodgers has been put into an ridiculous position. How can he publicly back a Luis dive? He can’t.
Suarez was being honest , IF Rodgers was honest he would have criticised the dive 3 months ago . Are you really saying that Rodgers DIDNT think it was a dive til Suarez admitted it ?
Anyway there is no reason to publicly criticise Suarez , Hasnt he had enough criticism without his own manager doing it ?
No , disgusting behaviour in my opinion from Rodgers
Ok I kind of take your point but we wouldn’t have to defend anyone if Luis had kept it shut about the dive. Of course Brendan will have seen it at the time but as I say, he has been put in a corner by the Suarez admission.
To be fair to rodgers he has said it will be dealt with in house.
I think this will split opinion.
@Andy – how is publicly criticising suarez today , dealing with it in house ?????
If Rodgers wanted to criticise – should have done it at yime of the very blatant dive
There’s an argument for both sides here. What else could he have done? I think because of Luis, Brendon is damned either way.
Hopefully Suarez and the club can move on from this.
I hope Luis and Liverpool move on happily , and Rodgers jogs on down the road
As for what else could he have done
1 . slated him at the time instead of pretending it never happened
2 . praised him today for being honest enough to admit it
or 3 . ( my prefered option ) Just kept his mouth shut , and actually dealt with it in house
Why would Saurez admit he took a dive? I praise him for being honest but in all honesty he should’ve said nothing, now the media spotlight is on Liverpool, Saurez and Rodgers again. As for Rodgers I don’t think that was the right thing say sometimes I wish he says nothing at all it’s frustrating. I’m not sure if Rodgers had much choice in the matter tho, I’m sure he knew Saurez took a dive but why make such a big fuss about it back then, he probably said it to keep the FA off his back I’m not sure.