re: John Terry to face criminal charges

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I don't think he's a racist, but I do know he's a fiery competitor who *could* have said something he *may* have known would be taken in a racially offensive matter. If he truly had no idea that it could construed as a racist statement, obviously that changes things.

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I agree with your take on this completely.

What may be objectionable/arguable are things such as the severity of the suspension, the seeming lack of non-biased witnesses etc.

However, the people that seem to be arguing that saying "I'm black" or "the driver of the car was black" carries the same racist baggage as "get your black arse out of here" ect ect ect really need to take a step back and think for a second.

Confrontational situation or not may be an important concept to consider when mulling that over.


I work for a company that hires a ton of South Americans and, whether they may be racist or not, they all know as clear as day not to call the black guys any racially marked words in an angry or confrontational situation whereas I hear the entire crew joking about race all the time.

This is the world we live in like it or not and Suarez--if he said what he's accused of saying in a confrontational or goading manner-- would have to be an utter moron to not know how a black person would take it even if he arrived to Europe from the moon.

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I don't think he's a racist, but I do know he's a fiery competitor who *could* have said something he *may* have known would be taken in a racially offensive matter. If he truly had no idea that it could construed as a racist statement, obviously that changes things.

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See, I can agree with this. Obviously I can't rule out the possibility of him saying something to that extent, I just think it's highly unlikely after observing the rest of his body of work.

My question to you is this: Do you really think he should have received an 8 match ban considering everything you know about Suarez? Considering the lack of evidence, the cultural divide, first time offender and his contributions towards charitable organizations of the same nature? Not to mention what his teammates/friends have said about him and his black ancestry.

Also, take into account this: he has been in Europe for 4 years and has no other accusations of saying racial slurs. This tells me one of three things:

A. He has used the word "black" in situations like this before, but the other player could tell that he wasn't using it in a racial connotation.
B. He has used the word "black" in situations like this before, but wasn't reprimanded or told the right way to act.
C. This was one of the first times he has used the word "black" and he was reported for it.

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wm72

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In case you didn't read the Suarez thread, this was what was posted:

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WHAT HAPPENED AT ANFIELD ON OCTOBER 15? Manchester United faced Liverpool in a Premier League match. In the 57th minute Suarez fouled Evra and tempers flared at the next corner. They squared up to each other and Evra asked why Suarez kicked him. Suarez said he should forget about it, these things happen. Evra claims Suarez then became racially abusive, using the word 'negro'. Suarez denies using the word in that clash. Evra is clearly wound up, but nearby players do not seem particularly bothered.

A few minutes later Marriner calls the pair together. Suarez apologises and tries to pat Evra on the head. It is alleged Evra said: 'Don't touch me, you South American,' to which Suarez replies: 'Porque, negro?' Evra catches Kuyt two minutes later and is booked. He allegedly shouts at Marriner: 'You're only booking me because I'm black.' Suarez is bemused, saying: 'I called him something his team-mates call him and even they were surprised by his reaction.'

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Link to article

I think Suarez admitted to saying it once, but Patrice claims he said it over 10 times.