Fabio da Silva: Luis Suarez handshake snub inspired Manchester United to defeat Liverpool

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The Reds forward refused to make peace with Patrice Evra before Saturday's match, causing outrage at Old Trafford and, says the defender, causing the home side to rally

Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva says that Luis Suarez’s controversial decision to refuse to shake Patrice Evra’s hand inspired his side to victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

 The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners in the Premier League clash which was largely overshadowed by the continuing fallout from the racism row engulfing the two players as the Uruguayan, who had served an eight-match suspension for racially abusing the full-back, declined Evra’s outstretched hand.

Fabio, who did not come off the bench during the game, felt the Reds forward’s actions were outrageous, telling Globoesporte: “I believe that in life it is always necessary to forgive.

“Patrice wanted to forgive Suarez. In Anfield he was attacked, but at Old Trafford he offered the hand. “The action of Suarez was not justified. For me, to reject the hand of someone is very serious. The action of the Uruguayan before the beginning of the match increased our force to defeat Liverpool.

“In the ground, there was calm and the rivalry. But after the action of Suarez, the tension exploded.”

Suarez and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish have both apologised since for their conduct before and after the game, which saw the Reds remain in seventh place in the table.