Soccer:Manchester United have accepted the apologies of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish over their actions at yesterday's Premier League game at Old Trafford.

United manager Alex Ferguson branded Suarez “a disgrace” and said he should never play for Liverpool again after he refused to shake hands with United defender Patrice Evra prior to the match, having racially abused the Frenchman at Anfield in October.

The Uruguayan today apologised for his actions, as did Dalglish who batted away questions about Suarez’s conduct during a post-match interview with Sky Sports.

Dalglish and Reds managing director Ian Ayre both said today they had been misled by Suarez, who had indicated to them he would shake Evra’s hand.

United issued a statement today under the heading “Reds accept rivals’ apology” which read: “Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday’s game.

“Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football. That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs.”

Dalglish said in a statement released on the official Liverpool website this afternoon: “Ian Ayre has made the club’s position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford.

“To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do. But as Ian said earlier, all of us have a responsibility to represent this club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager.

“When I went on TV after yesterday’s game I hadn’t seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I’d like to apologise for that.”

Reds managing director Ayre made it clear Suarez had misled the club over his intentions regarding the handshake, and told www.liverpoolfc.tv: “We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday’s game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so.

“He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team-mates and the club.

“It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable.

“Luis Suarez has now apologised for his actions which was the right thing to do. However, all of us have a duty to behave in a responsible manner and we hope that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club.”

Suarez issued his own apology earlier today.

“I have spoken with the manager (Kenny Dalglish) since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong,” he said in a statement on the Liverpool official website.

“I’ve not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I’m sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.

“I should have shaken Patrice Evra’s hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.

“I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football.”