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Suarez (left) racially abused Evra last year

LEADERS IN the community have called for Liverpool to publicly apologise following their reluctance to accept that one of their players had racially abused another footballer.

Striker Luis Suarez was found guilty by the FA of racially taunting Manchester United’s Patrice Evra during a match on October 15 and received an eight-game ban and a £40,000 fine but was backed vociferously by the club.

In an open letter to Liverpool, the leaders call for the Reds to accept the FA’s findings and to recognise that they have contributed to the "incitement of racism in football and the wider society".

The letter says: "LFC actions, in vehemently rejecting the findings of the FA inquiry, their public displays of support for a player found guilty of racist abuse and his subsequent refusal to shake the hand of Evra at a recent game is completely unacceptable. These actions we believe could be considered as inciting racial intolerance.

"Whilst the subsequent apologies for the failure to engage with the traditions of a pre-game 'hand shake' are to be welcomed, there remains deep concern about LFC's absolute refusal to accept the findings of the FA's investigation. As such these apologies fail to meet the test of genuine remorse and understanding. This is further negated by LFC's failure to apologise for racism either through the club or Suárez.

REFUSAL: Suarez (extreme left) refused to shake Evra's hand

"Neither have LFC recognised or acknowledged the consequent damage to race relations resulting from their actions and recognised by many people of all races across the country. As a result efforts to combat racism in football and the wider society in general have been critically undermined.

"Compounding these serious errors is the failures of Liverpool's civic leaders, many of whom have remained silent on these critical issues and have failed to publicly condemn LFC's decision not to robustly and effectively challenge racism."

Leader of the group, Gloria Hyatt, said:

"Liverpool FC has presided over the worst incident of racism in football seen in recent years. Their misguided handling of the ... saga has let down all of those in the city who work hard to challenge racism and to make Liverpool a better place to live for everyone."

CAMPAIGNER: Jasper

Veteran race campaigner Lee Jasper condemned Liverpool’s actions.

"The club, including the owners, the players and the manager need to realise the enormous damage caused by their reluctance and obdurate behaviour,” said Jasper.

“Kenny Dalglish used to manage Celtic. He ought to know the importance of stamping out bigotry. The club failed the city, the nation as a whole, and Britain's black communities. Their abysmal lack of leadership on these issues has given a green light to racism. They must make urgent reparations ... and a clear and unequivocal apology."