Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Luis Suarez's Apology Is a Hollow Farce

Luis Suarez's apology for not shaking Patrice Evras' hand was obviously forced, and it is an absolutely meaningless joke. 

His actions were too premeditated for this to be construed any other way. 

In case you missed it, Suarez met Manchester United and Patrice Evra's on Saturday for the first time since he was forced to serve an eight-game suspension for taunting Evans with racial insults. 

Here is Suarez's apology as it appeared on Liverpool's official website: 

"

I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise 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.

"

Suarez points out a huge problem with this apology in his first sentence. He states that he had to speak with the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, before realizing he was in the wrong. The logical conclusion here is that Dalgish essentially forced Suarez into apologizing. 

There is little reason to believe that Suarez would have apologized at all if he wasn't coerced into it. 

Suarez had plenty of time to contemplate his actions before refusing to shake Evras' hand. In fact, he was even told to do so prior to the event. 

Here is Dalgish following the match, as quoted by the Associated Press and relayed by ESPN: "I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would."

So here was Suarez, who had his entire suspension to contemplate what he would do, and was then instructed to shake his hand, and he still decided not to. 

This was not a mistake made in the heat of the moment. This was a calculated move by a player that had no interest in putting an ugly incident behind him. 

Now he throws out a lame apology to try and appease the public. Don't let his statement fool you. Suarez's apology is not sincere, and he should not be excused for his thoughtless actions.