“We’re going to have a party, we’re going to have a party, we’re going to have a party… when Suarez gets a pen!” sang the travelling Kop at Carrow Road on Saturday.
The Uruguayan forward was hauled down by Leon Barnett but still it wasn’t enough for referee Mike Jones to award a penalty. And Barnett instead claimed Suarez had dived. Incredulous.
Manager Brendan Rodgers admits he is concerned that Suarez has become a victim of a “reputation” he has. Although, this reputation appears to be one via the mouth of Alex Ferguson and the national media. The times Suarez has been booked for diving have been inaccurate with replays clearly showing there was contact made. For instance at Sunderland most recently.
“That is the fear, wherever it has come from,” said Rodgers.
“But I could name three or four strikers who go down in the box with very minimal contact, and all of them have had penalties this year.
“Hopefully it’s something the referees, when they assess and analyse their own performances, which will make them look at it.
“We can only concentrate on developing our football and hopefully these penalties we don’t get will not come back to haunt us.”
Despite the lack of support from referees, Suarez went on to score a hat-trick. The 25 year-old has scored just one fewer than record scorer Ian Rush in his opening 50 games.
Man City forward Sergio Aguero was asked if foreign players have it tougher than English players, he said: “Yes, always. It happens everywhere. There’s a little bit of privilege with players who come from that country.”
Midfielder Joe Allen, praised Suarez;
“It’s a privilege to be able to play alongside Luis.”
“I’m just grateful he’s on my team. When you’re out there playing alongside him you just have to be in awe of a performance like that.”
“The goals, some of the things he did, not many people in world football can do.”
“He’s got everything you need to be a top-class striker and I’m excited about the season he’s going to have for this team.”
Luis Suarez, we know what you are – class.
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