Alex Ferguson questions necessity of Liverpool peace talks

15 October 2011: Luis Suarez clashes with Patrice Evra and allegedly racially abuses him (AFP)

Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned the need for peace talks ahead of Manchester United's Barclays Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Old Trafford on February 11.

Relations between the two clubs have been soured since the racism row between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra exploded when the two sides last met in October.

Further bad blood was spilled as Liverpool attempted to defend their striker, with the Reds questioning why Suarez's word was being ignored in favour of Evra.

Subsequently, Suarez was found guilty of making racist comments by an independent disciplinary commission and banned for eight matches.

Yet even in accepting the punishment earlier this week, Liverpool - and Suarez - have avoided any suggestion of an apology to Evra.

United have said nothing on the entire matter, other than questioning the need for Liverpool's statements in support of the Uruguayan prior to the disciplinary hearing.

Privately they have been irritated by Liverpool's stance though and Ferguson has cooled talk of discussions between the two clubs, reports of which emerged this morning, before they meet again, by which time Suarez will be available.

"It is nice of them to do it through the press," said Ferguson.

"You would have thought they would come to Manchester United first.

"I do not see why there is any need for it. But I have nothing to say about it."

PA