Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he ‘lost respect’ for Luis Suarez after the striker refused to shake hands with Patrice Evra on Saturday.The English Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Liverpool saw Suarez start for the first time since returning from an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra last October.The Uruguayan’s failure to shake Evra’s hand was met by a firm grab of the arm from the defender, before Ferdinand then refused to shake the Liverpool striker’s hand.
“After seeing what I saw I decided not to shake his hand. He’s not got the respect that he needs to have in these situations and acknowledge he’s made a mistake and say sorry. I lost all respect for the guy after that,” Ferdinand told MUTV after his team’s 2-1 win.
The game’s pre-match handshake was subject to a great deal of build-up and discussion prior to Saturday’s clash.
“It’s a touchy subject at the minute and things could have been put to bed a little bit easier if the handshake had been done,” Ferdinand said.
“It could have been resolved today, maybe, between the two people who are involved. After this, it’s not great. It’s disappointing. I expected more from the other guy but it wasn’t to be.”
Two goals from Wayne Rooney early in the second half sealed the three points for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side despite a goal from Suarez 10 minutes from time.
“There are a lot of things going on both on and off the pitch. But the result was the most important thing,” Ferdinand said.
“To win the game … unbelievable atmosphere. I thought both sets of fans were good. That was pleasing. Hopefully we can talk more about the football.”
