Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has revealed he received death threats following his clash with Liverpool’s Luis Suarez during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October, 2011.
According to Evra, the Uruguayan had used the Negro word over five times in addressing to himself, but Suarez contended the use of Negro in that country and other parts of Latin America is inoffensive in certain situations.
However, Suarez handed an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine by the FA after being found guilty or racially abusing Evra.
“I received a lot of letters of death for months, I had a security car parked outside my house in Alderley Edge 24 hours a day.” Evra said.
“It wasn’t easy for my family but I grew up on tough streets in Les Ulis so for me it was like something normal. But maybe for another person, it was crazy. Even my brother was saying ‘Be careful’ when we were out in the car.
“I don’t know if Suarez is a racist. I don’t know his family. I don’t know his background. But racism is so big for so many years and that day, there was racist abuse.
“So when we went to the hearing, they listened to me because I said I didn’t want them to punish him and I don’t know him close enough to say he is racist but he used that racist word.” Evra added.
As report said, Evra warned and he would punch Suarez if the current Barcelona star repeated the Negro word. However, the 38-year-old admitted he could never hate the best striker in the world.
“I don’t hate him. I never hated him. I wanted to punch him at the time but for me to hate someone is impossible.” Evra said.
“I don’t have hate in my heart. I can react but hate is a strong word for me. When I was asked to pick a team of my best players, I named Suarez as one of my XI. He was the best striker at that time.
“Why should I not recognise his talent even if he isn’t a good person? I don’t even know if he is a good person. We had one episode. At that time, I wouldn’t have gone on holiday with him but I can’t hate him.” he added.
