An Open Letter to Cameron

Dear Prime Minister,

I write in regard to your spokesman’s words on Luis Suarez and the incident that occurred during the Liverpool vs. Chelsea game on Sunday 21^st April at Anfield. Many Liverpool supporters, and others, have criticised the need for you to offer your opinion. Of course, it goes without saying that all footballers are role models as the sport is a cultural phenomenon. However surely the incident is something for the Football Association and Liverpool Football Club to deal with, and does not require Prime Ministerial intervention.

I am confident that Luis Suarez is a thoroughly decent and law-abiding individual off the field. He made a mistake on the pitch, as many players often do, but clearly knew he was in the wrong and issued a swift and strong apology, along with his club. He engages in charity work across the globe and his punishment from Liverpool Football Club, a large fine, was donated to the Hillsborough Families Support Group, an extremely worthy cause and I am sure you will agree with that.

A bite, albeit unusual, is just as disgraceful as a headbutt or spitting. However in recent cases of these occurrences in the Premier League, Downing Street and politics have not commented. I hope the F.A.’s decision is not influenced by your words, because it will not help Luis Suarez, who is constantly adapting and working on controlling his temper on the pitch.

I would be most grateful if you could provide me with answers to the following questions:

1) Do you think, having made no comments on previous footballing violent conduct this season that was arguably on the same level as a bite, it was appropriate to make a point about Luis Suarez?

2) Surely the F.A and Liverpool are setting an example, especially to children, in handing out punishments. Do you feel your words will make a difference and actually help Luis Suarez and the general public, or further portray him in a bad light?

A large number are simply confused as to why there was a need make a rare remark on a footballing matter, and I would be very interested and pleased to hear your response. Suarez’s actions were not befitting of a footballer and most certainly sent out the wrong example, but surely by the Prime Minister bringing up the clash, it merely increases the media attention on the situation and nobody benefits.

I have placed this letter in the public domain.

Yours faithfully,