Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez has caused a storm after sharing the Uruguayan Players Football Association’s statement slamming the English FA in defence of banned Edinson Cavani.
The statement, which can be read in full here, blasts English football’s leading governing body for banning the Manchester United striker after his use of the controversial term ‘Negrito’ on Instagram.
Cavani was labelled a ‘racist’ by some after he responded to a congratulatory message from a friend with the term, after singlehandedly inspiring United to a comeback victory against Southampton.
Whilst Uruguayan football across the world are sharing their PFA’s statement, which in fact states that the FA are the ones that have acted ‘discriminatory’ in the situation, Suarez’s decision is questionable…
Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United legend Patrice Evra whilst playing for Liverpool in October of 2011, with the forward handed an eight-match ban for his behaviour.
The fact that he’s now defending his national team strike partner has of course caused a stir, he’s defending a perhaps unfair charge when he’s been found guilty of a more cynical one in the past.
Here’s how some football fans have reacted to Suarez’s decision to weigh in:
Have some shame you can’t speak in a situation like this pic.twitter.com/9JHtqqZLUe
— . (@Abdilbari__) January 4, 2021
Oh Yh I forgot after 7 years anything racist you said is acceptable
— . (@Abdilbari__) January 4, 2021
you should have stayed out of this one
— Omar (@topimpacat) January 4, 2021
This don’t apply to you man?
— Mohammed Adeeb Baccus (@ADEEB_ZN) January 4, 2021
Ratioed by Liverpools apology pic.twitter.com/vLH5iWEkiU
— Louis? #21 ? (@GingerLouis04) January 4, 2021
Really Luis?
— One Love (@abbausmanUK) January 4, 2021
Sit this one out pal
— Sudarshan (@hystrix06) January 4, 2021
This guy…
— Connor ??????? (@manes_hairline) January 4, 2021
this you? pic.twitter.com/HvWONfWpeV
— ?Harvey (@UtdHarvv) January 4, 2021
Suarez’s questionable response to the matter is potentially a PR nightmare for Liverpool years after the fact as well now, whilst the Reds can never be excused for how they initially reacted to the incident, they’ve admitted they were wrong in recent years and now face question marks and shame once again.
My wife is from Latin America.
It’s not a racial term.
End of story.
Cheers.