London, England – Liverpool's Luis Suarez apologized Sunday for refusing to shake hands with Manchester United's Patrice Evra prior to an English Premier League match Saturday, admitting he made a mistake and that he was "sorry."
Suarez was suspended eight games earlier this season for racial abuse against Evra and magnified the problem prior to Saturday's game at Old Trafford in the first meeting between the clubs since the previous incident in October.
"I have spoken with [coach Kenny Dalglish] since the game at Old Trafford and I realize I got things wrong," Suarez acknowledged in a statement. "I've not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I'm sorry.
"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologize for my actions. I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."
Evra celebrated in front of Evra after the match, a 2-1 United win, before he was led away by officials and teammates.
United coach Sir Alex Ferguson criticized Suarez after the match, but Dalglish reacted in a poor manner when asked about the incident. Dalglish also issued an apology Sunday.
"When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologize for that," he said.
"To be honest," Dalglish added, "I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would."
United responded positively to Liverpool's statements and hopes both clubs can move past the latest problem.
"Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football," the club said in a statement. "That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."
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