There is already a sick campaign out on some Liverpool websites that has attempted to change the outcome of the Luis Suarez racist case.
The distasteful campaign centres around the independent panal selected by the FA for the hearing of the various evidence. The three men on the panel are Paul Goulding QC, part of the FA’s judicial panel since 2008, Brian Jones – chairman of the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA and the former Sunderland and Wrexham manager Denis Smith now on Stoke's coaching staff.
It is the appointment of Denis Smith that the Anfield faithful are getting worried about. They claim the following 3 points are reasons why Smith should not only not be on the panel but that any decision made should be appealed and overturned immediately.
Smith's Autobiography which claims he saved Sir Alex Ferguson's career.
Smith managed Darren Ferguson whilst manager of Wrexham
Smith named Darren Ferguson as captain.
Firstly the book reference. It is a vague obscure reference to a match between the sides during United's Cup Winners Cup campaign back in 1991/92 season. United won the two legged tie and went on to win that years trophy by beating Barcelona in the final. Ferguson had been in more danger the previous season of losing his job until a certain FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest. This reference in Smith's book was an exaggeration to boost book sales and bears no evidence to direct links to Alex Ferguson or Manchester United apart from an FA Cup tie in 1994/95.
Denis Smith indeed did manage Darren Ferguson whilst at Wrexham. It is also true that he made him captain. As manager Smith indeed did on occasions praise his captain to the press something that many managers do. It is also true that when Darren Ferguson started his managerial steps, smith again gave a glowing recommendation.
According to Liverpool FC, this is sufficient evidence to warrant slurring Denis Smith for his potential impartiality. It is a clear design to attempt an overnight reaction. Should news of this reach Denis Smith then he is sure to question his decision. Will he move in favour that Suarez is guilty because he is or will he move that he is innocent to avoid a public witch hunt over Manchester United favourtism.
I grant that the FA could have investigated a little deeper into the backgrounds but eventually if you dig deep enough on an individual they are sure to contain links to United, Liverpool, Ferguson and Dalgleish. Denis Smith does not have direct links with either.
Should Suarez be found guilty then Liverpool have a right to appeal and raise the issue. Doing so the day before the decision is a little like releasing a character reference of a dubious murder suspect to the jury just before they are sentencing him.
I understand Liverpools desperation in trying to keep Suarez playing as much as they can. He alone is keeping them in European contention. Without him Dalgleish's best laid plans are in tatters. But his minor offences are totting up now. I'm not anti Suarez before the mob lynch me for my opinion. He is a brilliant footballer but he knew what he was doing with Evra. A player of Suarez intelligence cannot claim to be that naive. His time in Holland would have taught him the European reaction to the word he has used.
That is why the panel should reach a guilty verdict regardless of Liverpool's obvious protests about a Manchester United fix. No more than a two month ban with a fine would just about act as a deterrent to anyone thinking about racially insulting someone by trying to be smart and using foreign language.
This campaign to mar the image of Denis Smith, an innocent man has shocked me today. I hope this doesn't stop justice being found. Because whatever the verdict, as football fans that is what should be the real issue.
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