Rio Ferdinand has revealed he has 'lost respect' for Luis Suarez after explaining why he refused to shake the Liverpool striker's hand.
Ferdinand explains his handshake snub towards Liverpool striker
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed he has 'lost respect' for Luis Suarez after explaining why he refused to shake the Liverpool striker's hand.
Suarez was making his first start for Liverpool against United on Saturday since returning from an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra.
Much of the pre-match build-up had centred around whether the two players would shake hands, with Suarez declining the opportunity.
United captain Evra then grabbed Suarez by the arm to remonstrate before Ferdinand snubbed the Uruguayan's offer of a handshake.
Ferdinand, whose side moved to the top of the Premier League table courtesy of a 2-1 win, felt the issue could have been resolved if the two players had shaken hands.
Touchy subject
"I thought it was bad decision-making from their guy," Ferdinand told
MUTV.
"It's a touchy subject at the minute and things could have been put to bed a little bit easier if the handshake had been done.
"After seeing what I saw I decided not to shake his hand. He's not got the respect that he needs to have in these situations and acknowledge he's made a mistake and say sorry. I lost all respect for the guy after that.
"It could have been resolved today, maybe, between the two people who are involved. After this, it's not great. It's disappointing. I expected more from the other guy but it wasn't to be.
"There are a lot of things going on both on and off the pitch. But the result was the most important thing.
"To win the game... unbelievable atmosphere. I thought both sets of fans were good. That was pleasing. Hopefully we can talk more about the football."
