Manchester United vs Liverpool: The Hand Shake Debate

We had been led to believe that the most hotly anticipated handshake in English football would occur at Old Trafford today.

Not since John Terry and Wayne Bridge came eye-to-eye at Stamford Bridge, has there been such a significance placed upon the sight of one man's hand coming into contact with another's.

The failure of Suarez to engage in such a highly publicised gesture has now lead to the post-match emphasis being placed upon another non footballing issue. The scenes that ensued at both half time and full time can be directly attributed to the actions of Suarez.

If ever there was a time where one man needed to set his pride aside, this was it.

In the lead up to the game, the media had filled numerous column inches with probabilities and possible outcomes. It would stand to say that the importance of Suarez shaking Evra's hand was explained to him. 

For the greater good of the club, the match and the sport, there was only one way in which Suarez should have behaved.

It must now come as a frightening reality to Liverpool fans that despite his talent, Suarez will never be the type of player who puts the club ahead of his own interests. Not only does it reflect poorly on Suarez as an individual but it brings negative associations to one of the most decorated and revered clubs in world football.

Aside from the initiative granted to Manchester United by the incident, the potential for crowd violence was heightened.

In such fiercely contested derby games, the emotions of 72,000 plus, can reach a spilling point very quickly. While professional sportsmen are payed to play their sport, they have to be aware of the social responsibility that comes with their privileged position.

What kind of an impact this incident will have on Liverpool's season is questionable.

The unity displayed by Manchester United players towards Evra will strengthen their group resolve, the same it would appear can't be said for Liverpool.