Liverpool seek United talks

Liverpool FC intend to hold urgent talks with Manchester United at boardroom level in a bid to improve relations between the clubs ahead of next month's showdown at Old Trafford.

Anfield officials acknowledge that decisive action is required to try to diffuse what will be an incendiary fixture on February 11.

The bitter row which saw Liverpool FC striker Luis Suarez found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra following their clash at Anfield back in October has intensified the animosity between the arch rivals.

Clashes between the clubs in recent years have been dogged by sick chants about Hillsborough and Munich, and the fear is they will escalate in the wake of the Suarez verdict.

Liverpool FC are keen to build bridges with United and may suggest a joint appeal for calm to both sets of supporters.

Suarez should have served his eight-match ban prior to the game at Old Trafford and boss Kenny Dalglish has no intention of taking him out of the firing line for that match.

If the Uruguayan is eligible he will start against United - despite the torrent of abuse he's likely to receive from the home fans.

Liverpool believe the Football Association have a responsibility to protect Suarez when he returns following his suspension next month.

The club will demand action is taken against anyone branding him "a racist" considering both Evra and the FA have made it clear that he is not.

The FA have been quick to call for action to be taken by UEFA when England players have been abused in matches abroad and Liverpool expect them to be equally strong when it comes to dealing with the problem in this country.

Complaints will be made by Liverpool to FA chairman David Bernstein about how the Suarez case was handled along with a request for an inquiry into how future allegations of this type are dealt with.

But there's also an admission inside Anfield that they need to work with the FA rather than against them going forward. To do that they will look to mend their damaged relationship with the governing body.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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