On the heels of Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United in yesterday’s Capital One Cup clash, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has branded Luis Suarez a “street fighter” whose behavior has damaged Liverpool’s brand.
Wednesday’s match marked the return of Suarez to English football following his 10-match suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, having previously served an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.
Following the match Ayre admitted his delight in Suarez’ return but also noted the negative influence the Uruguayan’s conduct has had on the Anfield club: “It was damaging to the brand but this club is bigger than one player. Luis is a street fighter and we had to deal with it.”
Ayre also discussed the work they’ve done with Suarez and how the latest incident changed the culture at Liverpool: “We’ve worked a lot with him since the Ivanovic incident and he’s back to what he’s best at – terrorizing defenders. . . . We all move on together. Hard work and lessons have been learnt post-Evra and we now have a process in place for any crisis. Not a Suarez crisis, just any one.”
There’s little doubt that Suarez’ actions have hurt his own brand.
By racially abusing Evra, and thereafter refusing to shake Evra’s hand upon returning from suspension, Suarez showed himself to be a person who either didn’t understand the consequences of his actions or simply didn’t care.
By biting Ivanovic, after having already received a seven match ban by the Dutch FA for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal during an Eredivisie match in 2010, question marks were raised once again as to Suarez’ mental state.
These repeat offenses caused fans to scratch their heads. Could it be that Suarez really is just plain crazy?
The answer? Probably. Which is effectively what Ayre was telling us when he labeled Suarez a “street fighter.” Regardless of whether or not that type of violence is part of Suarez’ background, Ayre is suggesting we simply deal with him.
And deal with him we will! Because at the end of the day Luis Suarez is a sublime player and a fantastic character in the world of English football. Yes, Suarez is a repeat offender of heinous incidents but fans need guys like Luis like we need beer with our buffalo wings and Sriracha with our eggs.
When it comes to Suarez, the bottom line is the bottom line – the man puts fannies in seats. This the reason why Liverpool refused to sell him this past summer and why most of us are willing to give him yet another chance.
But to claim that Suarez damaged the club’s brand is a joke. If anyone is to blame for the harm done to Liverpool Football Club, it is Liverpool Football Club.
Live by the sword. Die by the sword.
