There is recognition at both Anfield and Old Trafford that an already malignant rivalry, which has plagued their recent histories, has deteriorated since the Football Association charged and then suspended the Liverpool striker. The Premier League has indicated it will act as a mediator in an effort to bring a semblance of civility to a relationship which has reached its lowest ebb over the past three months.
Liverpool and Manchester United's next scheduled encounter on Feb 11 – their first since Evra accused Suárez of racial abuse – promises to be one of the most volatile between the North West rivals. It is conceivable it will coincide with Suárez's return from his eight-game suspension, or at the very least it will be his second game back. Liverpool have made it clear they will not hesitate to thrust Suárez immediately into action in the Old Trafford fixture, regardless of the torrent of abuse he will receive from the home crowd.
But they also acknowledge there is a broader responsibility for the clubs not to allow the ill-will which has festered to spill over into further acrimony, particularly among both sets of fans. Liverpool indicated on Thursday night that they would approach United to assess what, if anything, could be done to placate the situation.
For their part, although they undoubtedly feel aggrieved at what they perceive as ongoing attacks on Evra's conduct by Liverpool, United confirmed they would be open to such discussions. The Premier League, well aware that the hostility between United and Liverpool could damage the reputation of English football if it is not channelled in a purely sporting direction, will welcome any opportunity to play its part in easing tensions.
Evidently, it will not be an easy task appealing to supporters for calm in an age when invective runs riot on internet chat rooms and via social networking. If the Suárez versus Evra case has proved anything, it is that rampant tribalism extends far beyond the geographical boundaries of Manchester and Merseyside. The debates about the rights and wrongs of the Suárez verdict have been played out across a global
audience, and elements of both Liverpool's and United's fans will find the prospect of an olive branch unpalatable.
Nevertheless, the clubs and Premier League recognise a duty to make an effort and there have been similar endeavours between clubs in the past. United, including chief executive David Gill, participated in an initiative to halt despicable chants aimed at Arsène Wenger several years ago, even printing a message in their match day programme. The FA recently worked alongside Spurs in a joint effort to cut out homophobic and racist abuse from supporters in a fixture against Chelsea.
Liverpool want the FA to take a particular lead in preventing rival fans aiming defamatory chants at Suárez.
However, major bridge-building will be required with the governing body if Liverpool are to gain immediate co-operation in attempts to outlaw the targeting of Suárez, who has been maliciously branded racist in some quarters despite the Independent Regulatory Commission concluding it did not believe this to be the case.
For Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, it will be a relief to focus on more sedate on-field matters against Oldham Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday night. Steven Gerrard is set for only his third start of the season, while Jamie Carragher is also hoping to reassert his position at centre-half having recently lost his place through injury.