getdownmonkeyman wrote:
Cibaman wrote:
A one off remark could possibly be put down to cultural differences. Much depends on whether Evra's claim that he made the remark repeatedly is accepted by the tribunal.
Are there such distinguishable differences between English and Dutch cultures?
Context and intent are more important than culture when it comes to the Suarez situation. He would have to come from an environment that does not know what racism is to start talking about cultural differences. Suarez is an intelligent man who has played at the very highest level so he must have an idea of what racism is given where he's been (unless he never read anything in Uruguay, Holland or Liverpool, which is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe). There is no argument to support Suarez there so it rests on what Suarez's intent is because the context goes with that i.e. if he said the word once he could make a reasonable claim that there was no intent on his behalf. I'm not saying that's the case but he could suggest that. If he has repeated the word that they indicates a wilful intent to say what he said i.e. he had purpose or else why would he repeat it?
Racism exists in Uruguay in the same way that it exists in many places. The word he used is not just a friendly colloquialism, it is a word which can and is used as a derogatory racist insult. Hiding behind some sort of misinterpretation may well be his only hope, however I can't see how he can use that because we all know that the word is simply a local variant or descendant of the word 'negro' so it is not that big a leap for people to suggest it can be term used for racism. It's not like Suarez has been living in a cave for 20 odd years away from civilisation. He knows what racism is and as I've said previously, the FA's campaign and Liverpool's own induction process should have saw fit that he was reminded of its seriousness. Therefore, I believe there is evidence to say that if he has used the term repeatedly there was intent. If there's intent then it's down to him to say what the intent was. In the best case scenario he can say he was looking to wind Evra up to give him some sort of competitive edge. With that response you can decide whether to believe him or not. He has used a word that can be a racial insult (there should be zero discussion over that really) so it comes down to why you think he said it. To wind up Evra or to provoke a player who the Liverpool club know is sensitive on issues related to race?
Now if Liverpool are going to question the integrity of Patrice Evra in an attempt to undermine his position that may be an opportunity to get him off the charges. However, to believe Suarez's word over Evra's is not that easy for me given that he has shown a propensity to influence matches by going beyond good sporting play which is something that I've rarely ever thought of Evra.
...Its too easy with some people.... 
