Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is keen for the "sideshow" which has developed around the fringes of Saturday's game against Manchester United to remain in the background.
While an FA Cup fourth-round tie between England's two most decorated clubs who share such a bitter rivalry would be enough to crank up the tension, a new element has been introduced in recent months. The two sets of supporters have taken opposite stances in the wake of Reds striker Luis Suarez's eight-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing United's Patrice Evra when the two sides met at Anfield in October.
That incident stoked the simmering feud which exists between groups of rival fans and, with the case being played out in the full glare of the media - many of whom criticised Liverpool for their defence of Suarez - the issue has rarely been out of the headlines in three months. The Uruguay international still has two matches of his ban to serve so will not be on the pitch on Saturday - although he is likely to be in the directors' box - but it is anticipated Evra will play.
But Dalglish insisted the focus had to be on football and everyone involved, from the pitch to the stands, had to behave. "We want to concentrate on going out and playing football and any other sideshow is purely that, it is just a sideshow," the Scot said.
"Everyone has a responsibility to uphold the names of their respective club and anyone who reports or comments on the game also has the responsibility to make sure they are not trying to incite trouble.
"But it is not only the fans who have to behave themselves; we have a responsibility to behave - but that is the case every time. I am sure everyone will be determined to make sure what's done has been done and whatever your grievance is keep it to yourself and let's get on with the game."
Comment 5 - 24 of 24
Sid mate just go and lick your wounds. Kenny got his tactics right, Ferguson just screwed up Get over it. Did you see Louis today, he loved it. Evra hated it, he even couldn't cope with Dirk Kuyt today ! So Louis just proves what a handful he was on their last meeting. I wonder if poor Dirk will be the next in line to be called a racist by Evra.
Anybody who thinks this game will see no problems, on or off the pitch, is living in dreamland. The hatred between the two sets of supporters has festered for decades, and will pour down onto the pitch, and that is a shame, because Man.Utd have a great team and LFC are improving, albeit slowly. I support neither team, but have seen many incidents at these MUFC v LFC games, how have I ?, that is not important, but the games between these two are now, and will be for a long time, early kick-offs, and not because the TV companies ask for them.
Eddie Hitler: Nice comments, not sure if you are a complete idiot or just acting like one.
Dirty Mancs, very nice obviously a well educated person, you beat the pretenders hmmm interesting as the so called pretenders are some 19 points and 38 goals better of than your team, not bad for pretenders, in fact if you check the table (if you are capable of carrying out such a task) you will note that Liverpool are nearer the drop zone (points wise) than you are the top spot.
Just a shame that you cant concentrate on what should be a great game, far better than just hurling abuse at people when you are hid behind your lap top.
Come Sat evening, lets hope we are discussing the game as against the crowds behaviour, although one fears that the hate that pours down from all corners of Anfield could well be the main topic.
May the best team win a great game of football.
Dalglish you are rubbish! from a Liverpool fan since 1994.
MORE SCUM ON HERE THAN THEIR OWN THREADS WOT A BUNCH O SADDOS
BRING IT ON 3-1 THE POOL
YNWA
Dogleash asks for a focus on football and numpties like Paul and Analfieldstar spout abuse and hatred.
Good to see how you respect your manager's wishes.
Paul, as usual, is especially stupid, shooting himself in the foot by referring to United playing in the Europa Cup. Before you take the proverbial, you should take a look at the league positions and spot that whilst we're going to be back in the Champions League and have a good chance of the Premiership, Liverfool's only chance is THE mickey mouse Carling Cup, which we put our reserve side in for practice.
It amazes me how dumb you Scouse can be. Suarez admitted and was found guilty of using racist behaviour yet here you all are still defending the nasty little prick, you are as bad as he is, shame on you. Bill Shankly would have shown some class and nipped this in the bud and sorted Suarez out and put him in his place big time instead you now have Kenny Dalglish who has done nothing but make things so much worse. He is clearly out of his depth. Yak! yak! yak!
HI. LADS HOPE YOU ALL LIKE MY ANTI-LIVERPOOL COMMENTS-ONLY TRYING TO GET YOU ALL INTO A FUMING RAGE BEFORE TOMORROW'S CLASSIC. RECOUP YOUR ENTRY FEE BY BACKING "A PLAYER TO BE SENT OFF" @6-1. =DOUBLE IT WITH THE HATE-FILLED SCOTTISH SEMI @ HAMPDEN BETWEEN KILLIE AND AYR UTD.@6-1.THIS AYRSHIRE DERBY WILL BE LUCKY TO EVEN FINISH.
PAUL AT NO 7- YOU DON'T SPELL S-Y-TE WITH A "Y"--TRY "LIVERPOOL".!!!!!!!
I am, what you could regard, as a 'arm chair' supporter, however. I have been to Anfield several times, seen, several Derby games. Reds/Man U. Reds/Everton, amongst other games. I think we should try and put this 'racist' issue, to bo'bo's. Gonna be a cracker tomorrow, lets enjoy, '@#$% on u Reds'
carroll will have the last laugh-when he escapes the awfulness of liverpool.would you buy a house there .?
liverpool are about to receive their come-uppance -in what should be a salutary lesson from the city-slickers to the irish tattie-howkers.
Eddie mate, let's make the racism issue even less relevant by chosing a differernt last name alias. YNWA
Will the racist scum that has started following Liverpool Football Club soon be in the majority on these forums?
The name of the once respected club is being traduced by people who pretend to be supporters but are just bigots.
Are there any decent Liverpool fans who are prepared to condemn Suarez's racist onslaught?
LIVERPOOL WONT WIN because andy carrol wont be playing hes going to work for costa cruises they need a captain that wont hit ANYTHING so hes starting work on monday morning
"MUFC Champions by 9 points" can't wait to see manure in the other Mickey Mouse cup on Thursday nights.
Oh 4Ech's back...pity I thought he'd contracted some scrotal infection and died a slow painful death......4Kof !
Im going, and i'll be chanting the name of Suarez every single time Evra touches the ball, the dirty little gutter snipe.
Fergusons hoping the shyte surrounding Evra will take the impetus away from Liverpools attack.
Big mistake, 1 down 1 to go.
Klan u's only chance of silverware this season will be the mickey-mouse ch 5 cup.
How very Apt.
Well said Eddie
Evra has some cheek turning up at Anfield just after stiching up our star player, me thinks he'll get whats coming to him!!!
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