Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has rubbished suggestions that Liverpool are not supporting anti-racism campaigns in football.
The Merseyside club has come under criticism for their handling of the Luis Suarez affair, which resulted in the Uruguayan being handed an eight-match ban by the FA for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
Despite this verdict, Liverpool players warmed up in t-shirts supporting their teammate ahead of their game with Wigan Athletic over the Christmas period.
Ant-racism campaigners were quick to point out that the club's public support of Suarez could be interpreted as condoning racism.
"Obviously there was a big issue with Luis. The players showed support for Luis which was fantastic, but then some people interpreted that wrongly as the players saying they're not interested in the fight against racism," said Dalglish.
"That is totally and utterly rubbish. If we can help to eradicate racism or discrimination from any part of the society, with the help of anybody at Liverpool Football Club, then that help will be forthcoming.
"We don't want racism anywhere near football and certainly not anywhere near this football club," he insisted.
Suarez's eight-match suspension began in the Reds' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last week and he will also be absent for their Carling Cup semi-final ties against the league leaders this month.
Joe Fish
