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FLASHPOINT: Suarez (right) and Evra during the match at Anfield last month

LIVERPOOL STRIKER Luis Suarez has been charged by the Football Association with racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. The two players clashed during the teams' 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15.

Uruguayan Suarez, 24, has denied Evra's claim that he used racist language to the France international. Evra made his claims immediately after the match and was quoted as telling French TV station Canal Plus: "There are cameras, you can see [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times."

Evra reported his complaint after the game to match referee Andre Marriner who included it in his report.
An FA statement said: "It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules. It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra."

Suarez told Uruguayan media: "There is no evidence I said anything racist to him. I said nothing of the sort.

A Liverpool statement issued after the FA charge was announced read: "The club this afternoon received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge Luis Suarez and will take time to properly review the documentation which has been sent to us.

"We will discuss the matter fully with him when he returns from international duty, but he will plead not guilty to the charge and we expect him to request a personal hearing.

"Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra. The club remain fully supportive of Luis in this matter."