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Suarez proved to the footballing world that this is a man who possesses little intelligence outside the minutes of play, but most importantly, a complete disregard for his club and his manager. He hung Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool Football Club out to dry.

Suarez clearly feels victimised by the ban. Speculating the reasons why he refused to shake hands is difficult. Evra has been the victim of racial abuse yet he was dignified enough to hold out his hand and make amends with the person who aggrieved him. But it is certain Suarez wanted to make a point. He wanted to make a stand against the person who he feels wrongly accused him of indecency, who betrayed him by disobeying the footballing code.

Making amends

Kenny Dalglish, in a published statement on Wednesday evening, said that the club were looking to draw a line under the saga, and that Suarez would accept Evra's hand before the game. This suggests that Suarez was informed of his duty and agreed with his manager that the best course of action would be to shake hands and get on with the proceedings.

The Handshake

There have been calls for the pre-match handshake to be abolished and rightfully so. The fans of both clubs stoutly stand beside their players and this act of immaturity could have created a violent confrontation between supporters. How long can the FA continue this charade? The FA didn't deem it necessary to cancel it in this regard as they were assured that there would be no issues from both teams, yet the spectacle descended into farce because of the snub. The football became the sub-story.

The FA cancelled the handshake prior to the game between Chelsea and QPR as clearly Anton Ferdinand was not comfortable shaking John Terry's hand. This surely shows the pious nature of the handshake and it should be abandoned altogether. It allows the media to hype up the situation and it can be dangerous to the atmosphere of the game. Footballers have always maintained they would be much more comfortable shaking hands after the game.

What Next?

The Liverpool manager is cutting a solitary figure at present. He is alone and it will be interesting to see what stance the club's senior officials take in due course. The reputation of Liverpool Football Club is in tatters and with American owners who are heavily concerned with branding and global image, the club will surely look to repair what is broken. The club will always be bigger than any one individual.

Suarez has made the life of Dalglish a misery. When the integrity of the club is being defended by the manager of your fiercest rivals before and after the game, there is a problem.

"He's a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club. That player should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again". Ferguson is absolutely correct with his indictment. Ferguson emerged from the interview with highest esteem for his club, his player and himself.

Suarez has issued an apology through the Liverpool website but it is too little, too late. His words are shallow and fickle, it is hard to believe that they are his genuine words, and not on the insistence of the club. The board may decide that Suarez is tarnished goods, that his stock is beyond repair and it may be time to cash in. Suarez can leave Anfield, leave England and continue his career without care for his actions. But what of the Liverpool legend? What of the Liverpool icon who is so highly regarded in the game, who regards Liverpool as his home? There is no escaping the fact that his reputation is debilitating with every defense he makes for Suarez.

Kenny Dalglish must realise he is damaging the integrity of the club he has in his heart. There is no escape from this situation, or the aftermath. Suarez has ruined his chance of a quick reconciliation. It might be best for the club, his manager and for him to move on at the end of the season because this situation will over-shadow the football for as long he remains.