Manchester United's Evra reacts after Liverpool's Suarez ignored his handshake before their English Premier League soccer match in Manchester
Manchester United's Patrice Evra (R) reacts after Liverpool's Luis Suarez (L) ignored his handshake before their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, February 11, 2012. REUTERS/Darren Staples

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has issued an official apology for refusing to shake hands with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra prior to Saturday's Premier League game at Old Trafford.

Via a statement on Liverpool's official website, the controversial Anfield hero confirmed he had spoken with Kenny Dalglish in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United and has subsequently conceded he "not only let him [Dalglish] down, but also the Club and what it stands for".

"I have spoken with the Manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong." Suarez told the club's 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."

Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre also released a statement on the club's official website, claiming Suarez had informed Dalglish that he intended to shake hands with the Manchester United defender, but having then chosen not to, the striker "has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his teammates and the Club".

"We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game." Ayre told Liverpool's official website.

"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 teammates 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."

Manchester United FC