Luis Suarez and Liverpool issue an apology to Manchester United

Handshake-gate sure stirred things up yesterday at Old Trafford but Liverpool and their striker Luis Suarez have since issued an apology to Manchester United. The Uruguayan is accused by his club of misleading them as it was apparently expected that Suarez would shake Patrice Evra's hand prior to the match. From there, things only escalated on the pitch and the match was followed by an interview from manager Kenny Dalglish that had many upset. Suarez and Liverpool have obviously taken quite a bit of criticism over this whole ordeal -- and deservedly so -- but kudos to them for this apology. Here are statements from Suarez, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre, Dalglish, and Manchester United:

"I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong. 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."

- Suarez | Source: 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 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."

- Ayre | Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

"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."

- Dalglish | Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

Here is United's response to Suarez's, Ayre's, and Dalglish's apology:

"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."

- Manchester United | Source: ManUtd.com

Just as United wishes to do, we as supporters should accept this apology and move on. What a tremendous rivalry we have with Liverpool but it quite obviously marred at times by ugly incidents such as this. Unfortunately, something similar in nature may occur again in the future but we must simply do our best to learn from these mistakes and move forward.