Evra racism what was said

Language at the time was a far bigger problem for me than it would be now. Maybe I would have avoided all problems if I had just denied ever using the word. Instead I told them what I had said, not least because I did not understand it would be a problem. The word hurts, the accusation is painful. I think that is why I reacted the way I did at Fulham when I showed the finger to some abusive supporters and picked up another ban. All I could hear was that word.

And it is one that I feel I do not deserve. Afterwards, no opposing defender, black or white, used what had happened against me. There were no provocations along those lines. Black players still came to swap shirts at the end of games. That made me really happy but I was conscious of not wanting to be seen as the guy who goes out of his way to prove he is not a racist. The lawyers took control of the case. The days of the hearing were awful. And in the end, amid all the talking, I was only actually asked to give evidence once in the four days.

What was my function locked up in that room? The lawyers explained to me that there was no proof of any sort that I had done anything wrong, but that I was being accused of having changed my story, that I was now saying I had said one thing but that, via Comolli, I had told the referee I had said something else.

Basically, they said my story did not seem credible because of that. They took more notice of what Damien and Kenny had relayed I said, than what I was now telling them I had said. I would be shown evidence from other players and witnesses and was supposed to verify it but it all needed translating and we all know how big the final report was. If I read it now I will only get upset all over again.

I was banned for eight games and, much worse, got labelled a racist for life. There is proof. But to call me a racist — that hurts a lot. According to the FA report published in as a result of the investigation, Suarez told Evra: "Porque tu eres negro". Suarez explained in his book: "The second important point is that I said to Evra: 'Por que, negro?

I certainly never said, and never would say, that I would not talk to Evra, or anyone, because they are black. Liverpool were also criticised for wearing t-shirts in support of Suarez during the aftermath of the controversy.

It really touched me and now I will respect Liverpool as a football club because, when this happened, I was really disappointed with the club. So don't tell me they can't do anything about racism. He said he would like to see more investment in educating fans about racism in the game and the impact it has on players and wider society. But whilst Evra is optimistic and hopeful of change he fears such discrimination will plague this much-loved sport forever.

It's been here for many years and we know we need to change, that's why education is really important. Whilst Patrice Evra acknowledged and supported the work that had been carried out to tackle racism in the game he loves, he feels gestures like 'taking the knee' and the social media 'blackout' aren't enough. Boris Johnson fining people or banning them from games is not enough. I think we need to do something seriously because what we've done and are doing right now, it doesn't work at all.

Patrice Evra wanted to use his experience of racist abuse and being a footballer at the highest level to offer advice and support to the three England players. He said: "If they give up, I'm going to where they live and kick their butts, and I say this politely.

You don't need to speak out, tell your team not to involve you in too much politics and just focus on your job - playing football. Watch Live.