Pepe Reina: Suarez is not racist

LIVERPOOL keeper Pepe Reina has leapt to the defence of race-row team-mate Luis Suarez.

Suarez faces an eight-match ban after being found guilty of misconduct by the FA for his clash with Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra.

The Reds are standing by the Uruguayan striker and are expected to appeal against the punishment.

Suarez, 24, faced Wigan last night after his team-mates wore T-shirts bearing his image during the warm-up.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish also showed his support by donning the shirt and Reina insists the entire club supports Suarez.

The Spaniard said: "We are all right behind him, he has our full support.

"We made a statement earlier and we said what we thought was the truth.

"We were together from the very first minute of the allegations and it is the minimum we can do for him.

"He is not racist. I am 100 per cent he is not racist and he has been accused of racism.

"We showed our support to Luis. We want him and everyone to know we are right behind our team-mate because he is a lovely guy.

"He has been crucified by some people and it is not fair. Eight games is not even close to be fair."