Luis Suarez: Why Liverpool Striker's Apology to Patrice Evra Won't Redeem Image

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has apologized to Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra for refusing to shake his hand in the pre-match handshakes on Saturday, but it won't be enough to save his image.

Update: Sunday, Feb. 12 at 11:12 a.m. ET

Manchester United has accepted the apologies from Liverpool and the club released a statement on the matter Sunday.

Per the Daily Mirror:

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"Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday's game.

"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.

"That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."

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Suarez released a statement regarding Evra handshake situation and said the following via Talksport:

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"I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realize I got things wrong.

"I've not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.

"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.

"I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."

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Suarez was banned for eight matches by the FA because he was found guilty of racially abusing Evra during a Premier League match between the two clubs at Anfield on October 15. Saturday's clash in Manchester was the first time Suarez and Evra had played on the same pitch since the Liverpool star returned from his ban.

Unfortunately for Suarez, this matter isn't going to go away anytime soon. Whenever these two clubs meet, this story will be at the forefront of everyone's minds, as well as the news headlines.

Suarez really made a mistake by not shaking Evra's hand, who according to United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was going to shake the Liverpool star's hand before the match.

Liverpool is a prestigious club and they should not tolerate behavior like this from Suarez, who is one of the most recognizable players on their squad right now. It will be very interesting to see if the club sells Suarez in the summer transfer window because of his history with unsportsmanlike behavior and the distractions it has caused the club.

Suarez can apologize all he wants, but he won't win back any fans who have lost some or all respect for him following his abuse of Evra in October.

He will have to earn back support from fans and his fellow players by proving to them on the pitch that he will conduct himself in a professional manner from now on.

No statement—although it's a good first step—will help him redeem his image. Suarez has to prove he will change with his actions on the pitch.