Dalglish wants FA to make swift resolution on Suarez

(AP)

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish wants a quick conclusion to the dispute between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.

The Football Association are investigating a complaint that Manchester United's Evra was racially abused by Liverpool's Suarez.

Dalglish, 60, said: "We would rather have it done and dusted, out in the open. Whoever is the guilty party – the person who said it or the accuser – [should] get their due punishment."

It is alleged that Evra, 30, was racially abused by Suarez, 24, during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Anfield earlier this month.

Dalglish added: "For me, I don't see racism apparent in any way, shape or form as far as this football club is concerned. I do not think racism is prevalent in the game here and it certainly isn't at this football club."

Responding to a question about the John Terry racism row with Anton Ferdinand, Dalglish said: "We have got a case going on ourselves which seems to be dragging its feet. We look forward to the case coming to a conclusion."

Despite Dalglish urging a quick conclusion, the FA will not be rushed into a decision and have no plans to make an announcement. The Liverpool manager also highlighted Suarez's off-field qualities. He said: "Luis has been fantastic and the great thing about him is that he is very unassuming as well. Everybody can see what he can do on the pitch – but he has got no edge to him. He does not think he is better than anyone else.

"He is a great ambassador for the football club. For us, as well as his football, the other things he brings to the club are very important as well. He is just a fantastic person as well as a fantastic footballer."

Suarez, who has strenuously denied Evra's accusations, has had an eventful start to the season, with his brace in Wednesday night's 2-1 Carling Cup fourth-round victory at Stoke taking his tally to seven goals in 12 games for the Reds so far this term. The Uruguay international has also been in the headlines following allegations of diving.

Suarez is an injury doubt for today's clash with West Bromwich Albion - where Liverpool will face their former manager, and Dalglish's predecessor Roy Hodgson – after coming off late on in the Stoke match in midweek with an ankle problem.

Dalglish made eight changes for the tie at the Britannia Stadium but Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson are set to return to the first XI.

The England pair have recently recovered from injuries but Dalglish confirmed he left them out in midweek by choice. "He [Suarez] has had a bit of treatment," Dalglish said. "He has had a tough time recently, so we'll see how he is. It was just part of the course of sensibility with Steven and Glen. There was nothing wrong with them – they could both have played."