Luis Suárez's disciplinary case for allegedly racially abusing Patrice Evra appears to rest on whether the Liverpool striker and his legal team can successfully argue that using the word "negro" does not necessarily have racist connotations for someone with his background in Uruguay.
After hearing evidence from both players over the past two days, the Football Association hopes to announce its verdict on Friday. Suárez has reportedly accepted that he used the word negro and the case centres on the nuances of the Spanish language and the context in which the word was used.
Liverpool's legal argument is that negro and its female equivalent, negra, are frequently used in Spanish-speaking countries without any negative connotations, often in the same context as someone saying "pal" or "mate". Evra's camp argues this is unacceptable and that it was said in a clearly derogatory manner as the two players clashed during the second half of Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Anfield in October.
A languages expert has been called in to help Suárez's case and the FA has looked closely into the cultural differences and semantic issues, to determine whether this represents a legitimate defence.
The crux of the matter may be to determine whether Suárez, after four years living in northern Europe, should have a clear understanding that something that may be acceptable in his home country would be considered grossly offensive in England. Proving that may be difficult and the Suárez camp has pointed out, for example, that El Negro is a common nickname in Uruguay, often used for white people too.
Evra has accused Suárez of abusing him "at least 10 times" and the Liverpool player faces a long ban if the FA hearing finds him guilty of the charges of using "insulting words and/or behaviour" including "a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race".
At the same time, new details have emerged that make it clear the evidence of the referee, Andre Marriner, could be vital. Marriner reportedly called the pair together for a lecture after they had become involved in some pushing at a Liverpool corner. When Suárez attempted to pat his opponent on the head, Evra allegedly pulled away and said: "Don't touch me, you South American." The Uruguayan replied: "Por qué [why], negro?"
Evra was clearly annoyed by something and it was also reported that when he was shown a yellow card later in the match, he allegedly said to Marriner: "You're only booking me because I'm black."
Marriner, however, is said to have been unaware that there had been a complaint of racism until after the game when Evra, accompanied by Sir Alex Ferguson, United's manager, went to the referee's office.
Kenny Dalglish has spoken in defence of Suárez at the hearing and the Liverpool manager made it clear during his weekly press conference that he believed his player's version of events. "We have said many times before we cannot say anything that will be prejudicial. We are standing right beside him and helping him as much as we possibly can. After it's finished there is a chance to have a conversation
