The French left back has been made out to be something he's not
As soon as the media reported that United captain Patrice Evra had made a complaint that Luis Suarez had racially abused him during the game at Anfield on Saturday, every Liverpool fan- and even a few City fans were quick to criticise the French left back.
It seemed the allegations had to be untrue because according to any Liverpool fan with access to the internet, i.e mainly those in prison, ‘Evra has played the race card in the past.’
These past 24 hours or so since the claims were made, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was sweet little innocent Luis Suarez that was the real victim here and that Evra was some form of monster who was quick to accuse anyone who slightly upset him of one of the most heinous acts someone can commit verbally.
The reason Evra has been chastised by so many anti-United fans, is that according to legend, he’s accused both Sam Bethell, a Chelsea groundsman and Steve Finnan, a barely average footballer, of being racist towards him.
Well, if that’s the case then surely the Suarez accusations should be taken with not so much a pinch of salt, but maybe a fistful. There’s only one problem, EVRA HASN’T PLAYED THE RACE CARD BEFORE.
The first instance the giro hunters were quick to bring up was the Sam Bethell one, where Evra had a post match fight with the Chelsea groundsman and was subsequently banned for four games. During the investigation, several newspapers reported that ‘United sources claimed Evra had been racially abused by Bethell.’ United sources did claim Evra was racially abused, those sources were Mickey Phelan and goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis.
The FA Report notes:
It is after the first altercation between Mr Bethell and Mr Evra that Mr Bethell is alleged to have shouted at Mr Evra “I’ll ******* have you, you ******* 12 immigrant” – an allegation which Mr Bethell has consistently and vehemently denied.
39. The two witnesses who say they heard those words directed by Mr Bethell at Mr Evra are the Manchester United first team coach Mr Mike Phelan and the goalkeeping coach Mr Richard Hartis.
There is some confusion and inconsistency in their placing of the alleged racist insult. We should not have expected complete detailed accuracy and consistency in witnesses’ recollections of a fast-moving disorderly series of events. However, there are aspects of the evidence of Mr Phelan and Mr Hartis which raise serious questions about the reliability of their claims about the racist remark.
The later on in the report: Even if we disregard the fact that Mr Evra has never claimed to have heard such a remark on that day.
That’s right: Evra has never claimed to have heard such a remark. Shall I repeat it again EVRA HAS NEVER CLAIMED TO HAVE HEARD SUCH A REMARK.
So it’s pretty safe to say, Evra didn’t play the ‘race card’ on that occasion, which brings me onto Steve Finnan.
This is taken from the Guardian following the incident:
A police investigation has been launched after deaf football fans complained they had lip-read Liverpool’s Steve Finnan making a racist remark towards Patrice Evra of Manchester United.
The Merseyside club immediately denounced the claim as an “outrageous slur” but Greater Manchester police confirmed last night that inquiries are ongoing into allegations that the Liverpool full-back “made an offensive comment” during last month’s 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
It is understood that the alleged remark was picked up by fans watching the game on television. Two contacted the police, as well as Manchester United, and claimed they had lip-read what the Republic of Ireland international apparently said. Police are understood to have taken statements and to be reviewing footage of the game.
The revelations drew an angry response from Anfield. “The first either the club or the player knew about this matter was through the media,” a spokesman said. “There has been absolutely no contact from the Greater Manchester police. We have subsequently had a video of the match analysed by a lip-reader, who has told us there is nothing to support this outrageous slur.”
The incident allegedly happened after Finnan had given away the stoppage-time free-kick on Evra that led to Rio Ferdinand heading the decisive goal. Evra, however, was unaware of any racist taunts. The Senegal-born Frenchman, a £5.5m signing from Monaco in January, has not raised any complaints although he is aware of the allegations.
The important bit here chaps is: THE FRENCHMAN HAS NOT RAISED ANY COMPLAINTS.
Finnan was later cleared of any racist charges.
Evra has not played the race card on either occasion, so I ask you, why would he suddenly start now, especially after the two previous times racism allegations have been made on his behalf, no one has been punished for them?
I’ve seen a lot of erroneous and downright disgusting accusations levelled at Evra over the past day or so, everything from him being a ‘vile race card waver’ to actually being ‘racist against white people.’
The sad thing is none of the people quick to accuse Evra have bothered to check their facts and had they done so they’d realise the stupidity of the remarks they were making. Now though Evra is tarred with an undeserving brush that’s practically given any player the green light to racially abuse the United captain should they wish, after all if he were to claim he’s been the victim of racism again, who would honestly believe him.
It’s doubtful that Suarez will be charged as the video evidence, seems inconclusive, but I for one believe Evra, after all depsite what people claim, he’s never made this thing up in the past, so why on earth would he start now?
Mind you, I can’t really imagine should a shining example of respectful conduct as Suarez, to commit any vile acts, next you’ll be telling me he bites opponents, dives and cheats entire continents out of making history.
Hi Justin
This transcript then sums up that not only is Evra keen on playing the race card he is also a thug as well.
One day the authorities willcome down real hard on him or he will pick on the wrong person and pay the price physically.
His general behaviour on the pitch is borderline and he is not worthy or deserving of being the stand-in captain of this club at any time due to the poor example he sets especially to the younger players unless Fergie wants to breed a generation of thugs who throw their toys out of the pram when they dont get their own way.
You’ve obviously not read it.
I have Justin Thank you. Point. 25. Evras account was exaggeratted and unreliable. Point 28. EVRA SAID; and i quote; bethall ran over and said, “what do you want, Evra, you ****** ****” I assume this is “n***er cunt” Would you like to try again, Justin. Because after what I have read this does not reflect well on an awful lot of utd staff (and Neville, AGAIN) and actually seems to suggest that evra DID play the race card.
Back to you.
No, there are seven ******* which do not amount to the n-word, or it would be six, it’s obvious it means f***ing c*nt. think you should learn to spell and count mate. That’s why the report states, they’ll explore racial abuse later on. Back to you.
How about “Fucking c**n” Mate. back to you.
Make your mind up, you’re reaching now and I feel maybe getting some sick kick out of writing racist comments- which I’m having to ***.. I’ve already explain the racist comment was the fucking immigrant remark as the report clearly states. No other racist comments were made or alleged, hence 40. “There is some confusion and inconsistency in their placing of the alleged racist insult.” Note not insults, only one insult was alleged – the immigrant one. Evra could have played the race card and gone along with Phelan but he was honest and admitted he didn’t hear it.
Your transcript proves the point Evra is a thug and a liar which is key to the Suarez accusation “Mr Evra’s account exaggerated and unreliable. It is an attempt to justify a physical intervention by him which cannot reasonably be justified.”
Now we move on to the desperation race card “it is after the first altercation between Mr Bethell and Mr Evra that Mr Bethell is alleged to have shouted at Mr Evra “I’ll ******* have you, you ******* immigrant” – an allegation which Mr Bethell has consistently and vehemently denied.”
This can only be an alleged racially motivated comment raised either be Evra or United to justify his thuggery, and only corrobated by two united witnesses the FA chose to disbelieve. Basically if it was a court of law that would be perjury.
Point 52, Mate. I suggest you learn how to read and understand. As to my original comment “Phelan and Hartis. Not playing the race card, MATE?
So phelan and hirtis are a part of what i said in my original point 2 of my comment then? Therefore, Utd are a club that will scratch around in the sewer in order to provoke? I dont get a kick out of racist comments, but clearly your club does. Grow up, Justin.
So if you’re now saying Evra didn’t play the race card what on earth was all the f**king c**n and f*cking n*gger stuff then?
I’m not saying Evra didnt, I have no doubt he did. What i am saying is, and I suspect you already know this is point to of my original comment about Phelan and his mate, MATE. Quote: . If, as you state it was Phelan and Hartis, what exactly was their punishment? Since, according to you, they were the instigators of these false and vile racist allegations? Either way you look at it and based on your argument, it seems to me Utd (the club) are partial to playing the race card when it suits them. Maybe some points docking are in order. Collective responsibily?. Your reply. Quote: Read this in it’s entirety as I did and all your questions will be answered: They have not been answered by you. Your mentality is such that you see no problem with the behaviour of these two men and collectivly your club. You said all my questions will be answered. Point two certainly has not. As for Evra, one can only guess, Mate, what was said, be it c**n or c*nt.
And the reason why I dont get a kick out of racist comments is BECAUSE I AM BLACK, MATE. I dont dont see the need for people, be it Phelan, Hartis or Evra, to fabricate racism when it is widely and genuinly already available out there. Skin is irrelevent. These allegations are not. And no, I am not a Liverpool supporter either. Just really pissed off that a club such as yours will scrap the bottom of the barrel when it comes to inducing conflict. Or have you forgotten how non-white supporters attend utd games, or how many live outside the ground selling their parking spaces for ten quid a match?
“I have Justin Thank you. Point. 25. Evras account was exaggeratted and unreliable. Point 28. EVRA SAID; and i quote; bethall ran over and said, “what do you want, Evra, you ****** ****” I assume this is “n***er cunt” Would you like to try again, Justin. Because after what I have read this does not reflect well on an awful lot of utd staff (and Neville, AGAIN) and actually seems to suggest that evra DID play the race card.
Back to you.”
The club /Evra played the race card to try and escape punishment for his out of control but totally in “Evra characteristic” behaviour but the FA grew some and choose not to believe these pathetic liars. As the thread says there is history of racial accusations and although not believed they are documented as you proved with your transcript link . Thanks for proving the whole argument of the thread with that link,
Conclusion :- Evra = Thug/Liar
United Staff = Liars
Individuals/ club will result to any means to justify poor behaviour.
Nice work Jay I think you just made Justin eat some humble pie.
Aww bless.
Guessed it. Simply cant answer, oh well. You would be better off, Justin, running a websiite where you do not have to justify your arguments and keep your promises to answer ALL POINTS. Never mind.
Just finished work and got back to more drivel from you. You’ve accused Evra of claiming he was called a n*gger then changed it to c**n when the sums didn’t add up, then despite the evidence, still insist he must have played the race card anyway. As a black man you think you’d be a bit more objective when accusing him of playing the race card, but unfortunately it seems beyond you. You’re not a Liverpool fan? Talk about a complete non-sequitur.
Can you not talk straight without dishing out insults?
evra is a lying piece of shit just like the rest of his team