Why Suarez must stand up!

Friday, 09/12/2011

by Nick Teale, Shoot's Liverpool blogger

When he scores a volley, or when he scores a head, we just can't seem to get enough Luis Suarez.

But when he rolls around unhurt, or when he flies into the air after losing the ball in a routine tackle, that’s what we've seen too much off.

Yes, Suarez is no worse than several other Premier League players, yes Suarez is genuinely fouled more times than any other Premier League player and yes, a lot of infringements on the Uruguayan do go unpenalised but the only way for that to change is for Suarez to change.

The manhunt on Liverpool's best player started after Sir Alex Ferguson, master of the mind games, highlighted some of Suarez's least appealing qualities in front of the national press. Since then he has been target by every set of opposition supporters he has played in front of.

'Cheat' they remind the referee, even if Suarez was on the receiving end of a late, two-footed lunge. 'Cheat' they shout if he is bundled down inside the penalty area. 'Cheat' is the chant if he questions an offside call.

Kenny Dalglish said this week he would be sitting down to have a discussion with Suarez following the pictures of him reacting the wrong way to the 90 minutes of abuse he endured at Fulham. Dalglish also played a DVD to the press highlighting, among other issues, the lack of protection Suarez receives from referees.

But a DVD isn't going to persuade match officials to take Suarez more seriously. The player himself must do that. For every bad tackle that is allowed on Suarez there is also an incident in which he does feign injury, or exaggerate a fall. It is those incidents which make it impossible for referees to trust Suarez.

When he goes down holding his shin or rolling around in pain he will never get the decision unless the official has a clear view of an infringement. Any doubt in the ref's mind will instantly be swayed by the perception of Suarez they have from the Uruguayan's previous behaviour.

Liverpool's number 7 must change his behaviour, or he will continue to find himself incapable of having a decision go in his favour. At the moment opposition players can target Suarez knowing that they are unlikely to be penalised, and knowing too that the player may react.

Only Suarez can improve his own reputation. Maybe he can look at Didier Drogba: a cheat, a diver and a disgrace to the game was the description of the Chelsea striker when he first arrived in the Premier League. These days he is known only for his striking ability.

Suarez must follow suit or remain the boy who cried wolf.

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