Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has claimed that Manchester United's Patrice Evra did not want to shake Luis Suarez's hand at Old Trafford last month.
After being found guilty of racially abusing Evra during a game at Anfield in October, Suarez was widely criticised when he appeared to refuse to shake Evra's hand before the match between the two sides in February.
"Evra was clever at Old Trafford," Johnson told the Daily Mail. "Because - I'm not being funny - but if I wanted to shake your hand I would stick it right out in front of me. But if my hand is down almost by my side, then it's because I really don't want to shake your hand.
"Luis didn't shake because Evra's hand was down there. What else is Luis supposed to do? Would you go to shake someone's hand if it is way down there by their side? Course not.
"But then, because Luis didn't do it, Evra has pulled him back by his arm as he walked on, as if to say to everybody: 'Look, I wanted to shake his hand and he didn't...'
"He's following Luis with his eyes as if to say, 'Right, he's gone, so I'll pull him back now...' Evra probably stayed up all night thinking about how to do that. The whole thing is ridiculous."
Suarez and Liverpool Football Club apologised for the incident after the match.
Jack Prescott
