Evra Kops abuse from fans over Suarez racism dispute
PATRICE EVRA was heavily barracked and branded a liar by Liverpool supporters on his West Ham United debut.
The ex-Manchester United defender’s every touch was booed at Anfield.
In 2011, Evra was involved in a headline-grabbing row with Luis Suarez which resulted in an eight-match ban and £40,000 fine for the then-Liverpool striker after he was found guilty of racially abusing his opponent.
However, Evra found little sympathy on his first visit to Merseyside since he left United in 2014.
Ahead of kick-off the Frenchman’s name was booed when the teams were read out. And following a minor spat during a first-half stoppage in play he came in for further stick.
‘One lying b******,’ chanted the famous home end, who also sang Suarez’s name.
This was another super afternoon for Liverpool, who rose to second, but the persistent abuse of Evra added a sour note.
It appeared as though the situation was not lost on the home boss. A diplomatic Jurgen Klopp came on to the field at the end and hugged the left back.
‘I heard it during the game,’ Klopp said. ‘I don’t have the same history with Evra as the Liverpool supporters. I can’t say anything about that.’
Suarez was found guilty following a six-day hearing which was told he had used ‘insulting words’ which included a reference to Evra’s colour during an Anfield fixture against United.
The issue was highly contentious, with Liverpool giving the player their full support at the time, although no appeal was launched.
The abuse capped a miserable outing for the defender selected by boss David Moyes (left). He was beaten at the far post by Emre Can for Liverpool’s first goal.
Evra smiled but declined to comment following the game.