(AP Photo/Jon Super)

LONDON (AP) Luis Suarez apologized Sunday for refusing to shake hands with Patrice Evra while Liverpool criticized its player for the first time in this protracted racism dispute that has tarnished the reputation of one of England's storied clubs.

Suarez, a national player for Uruguay, snubbed Evra before Saturday's Premier League game at Old Trafford. This was the players' first meeting since Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing the Manchester United defender in October.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who passionately defended Suarez during a post-match television interview, and the club's American owners also found themselves under fire. Critics contended this episode reignited the racial issues that have blighted English soccer this season.

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