SoccerPlay

It has quite a while since Patrice Evra was involved in the racism row with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez; and now, the Frenchman returns to Anfield to face the Reds, and Manchester United legend Viv Anderson has backed the 30-year old talisman to stand strong against the Kop faithful.

The original incident took place at Anfield on October 15th, when Evra was subjected to racial abuse the Uruguayan striker, which ultimately led to the latter being handed an 8-match ban by the Football Association.

Evra returns to Anfield to face Liverpool in the FA Cup 4th round, and according to Anderson, will be up for battle.

In a local interview, Anderson said, “Patrice should definitely play, 100 per cent. There will be a backlash, but he did nothing wrong, so why should he not play?

“He is experienced enough and old enough to deal with it. It won’t be the first time he’s been verbally attacked. If you cannot deal with it, then you are never going to make a career for yourself.

“Patrice is at Manchester United playing in the Premier League and is a French international.

“He has proved he is able to stand up to all the outside pressures that have been heaped on him as he’s built his career.

“It is not right you have to put up with racial abuse, but I am sure it has happened to him in the past. I don’t think playing at Anfield after what has gone on will bother him.

“There will always be something else around the corner, and if you keep worrying about something then you will fold and disappear.”