Evra wants to pursue racism claim reveals Fergie

Patrice Evra is adamant Luis Suarez racially abused him and the Manchester United defender is refusing to back down in his fight for justice.

Evra claimed Suarez called him a “n*****” at least 10 times during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield, a charge vehemently denied by the Liverpool striker.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he had spoken to Evra about the episode and revealed the United defender was standing by his claim and wants to see Suarez punished.

“We spoke to Patrice [on Monday] and he’s adamant he wants to follow it on,” said Ferguson, on the eve of United's Champions League tie against Romanian side Otelul Galati.

“It’s not an easy one, because everyone knows that Manchester United and Liverpool have great responsibilities in terms of what happens on the field.

“I thought Saturday’s game was terrific and both sets of fans were good.

“There was none of the silly chanting we’ve heard in previous years and the fans deserve

praise for that.

“It [racism] is not something we want to level at Liverpool, and it’s not against Liverpool.

“Obviously, Patrice feels very aggrieved at what was said to him and it rests in the hands

of the FA now.

“Patrice feels he was slighted on Saturday and we don’t want to see it, simple as that. But he’s in the right frame of mind to play.”

Senior United figures revealed the FA have not yet been in contact with the club, but will speak to Evra on the player’s return from Bucharest. Suarez is also set to be interviewed as part

of the inquiry.

Ferguson revealed his dismay at the racism allegations and vowed United would back Evra in pursuing his case.

“I’m not aware of any racist incidents in terms of British football,” he said. “We concentrate on our own game and what happens in other countries, I’m not really sure.

“There are very few examples of it in England since I came down. We’ve had some fantastic players at Manchester United who are black, so it’s not an issue for the game itself.

“There’s an odd example and maybe this is what surprised Patrice.”

By David McDonnell