Manchester United regained top spot in the English Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday in a stormy clash marred by fresh controversy stemming from the Luis Suarez racism affair.
Two second-half goals in three minutes from United talisman Wayne Rooney – playing in his 500th game at senior level – saw the champions go one point clear of Manchester City, who face Aston Villa on Sunday.
But the early kick-off at Old Trafford was dominated by incidents involving Suarez, who scored Liverpool’s only goal in his first start since returning from an eight-match ban for racially abusing United captain Patrice Evra.
Despite assurances from both clubs’ managers during the week that Evra and Suarez would shake hands before the kick-off, the Uruguayan caused an unnecessary flashpoint by ignoring Evra’s outstretched hand.
Evra angrily grabbed Suarez’s arm as the South American walked away, before United defender Rio Ferdinand then snubbed Suarez’s offer of a handshake.
Disgusted United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez a “disgrace” afterwards and said the striker should never play for Liverpool again.
“I couldn’t believe it. I just could not believe it,” Ferguson said when asked for his reaction.”
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish later insisted he had not seen the incident, but lost his cool with a television interviewer at the suggestion it had led to a bust-up between players from both sides at half-time.
“I never knew he didn’t shake his hand. I will take your word for it. That is contrary to what I was told,” Dalglish said.
“It’s bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened today, how many bookings were there? The fans had a bit of banter.”
Dalglish meanwhile admitted Liverpool had been beaten by a better side.
“They were the better side but you would expect that at home. We left ourselves with a mountain to climb,” Dalglish said.
The Suarez incident was the main talking point of a low-key opening 45 minutes, with Paul Scholes’ header from close range the best scoring chance.
However, tempers flared on the stroke of half-time, with Suarez appealing for a foul after being tackled by Ferdinand when through on goal, and later kicking the ball angrily towards the dug-out area.
Police and stewards were then called to the tunnel to defuse tensions between scuffling players from both sides.
When the second half kicked off, Rooney effectively settled the result in a devastating three-minute spell.
The England striker volleyed in his first from close range on 47 minutes after Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson inadvertently flicked on a Ryan Giggs corner.
Rooney then made it 2-0 in the 50th minute after a Jay Spearing blunder let in Antonio Valencia. Valencia’s pass found Rooney, who coolly stroked his shot past Pepe Reina.
United remained firmly in control for the remainder of the half but a lapse in concentration saw Suarez pull a goal back for Liverpool to set up a nervous final 10 minutes.
Liverpool substitute Charlie Adam swung a free-kick into the United box and when Ferdinand failed to clear, the ball fell invitingly to Suarez, who jabbed home from close range.
