LIVERPOOL’S robust statement last month, in the wake of the eight-match ban and £40,000 fine imposed on striker Luis Suarez for his alleged “racist” remarks to opponent Patrice Evra, left little doubt that they were appalled by the Football Association’s decision.

But yesterday, days after the FA released a 115-page document covering every detail of the Uruguayan’s tribunal hearing, the club issued an equally powerful response – but decided to waive their right of appeal against the decision.

It seems a strange turn of affairs, when the club and the players have stood so solidly behind Suarez since the incident first occurred. But perhaps, on balance, the club and Suarez have actually chosen the correct course of action.

The issue of racism in sport is surely bigger than any one player’s innocence or guilt, no matter how difficult it might be for such a talented star to be forced to withdraw to the sidelines for eight games. Any further appeal would only prolong what has already been a protracted and disturbing distraction from the important matter of winning matches on the field, at the risk of tainting Liverpool’s reputation when they have been one of the leading clubs in the campaign to kick racism out of football.

Continuing to defend Suarez’s case, in such a high-profile incident, might not necessarily undermine their role in that campaign, but could lead some harsh critics to malign their integrity.

So Liverpool decided reluctantly yesterday to shelve any plans to appeal, while continuing to insist that their player had done nothing wrong.

That is probably the right place to leave it. Enough has been said.

But if what has happened helps to highlight the cultural difficulties and differences for overseas players that landed Suarez in such hot water in the first place, then his sacrifice will not have been in vain.