Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has defended his decision to wear a t-shirt, along with the rest of the Reds squad, with striker Luis Suarez‘s name on the back.
The Uruguayan striker has been banned for eight games after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in their game at Anfield back in October.
On Wednesday night before the goalless draw with Wigan, his team-mates, along with Johnson and manager Kenny Dalglish, wore specially made t-shirts in support of Suarez.
In response to criticism aimed at Liverpool for their decision to wear the t-shirts, England international Johnson said, via Twitter: “I will support who i want when i want!!! There are a lot of reasons why I’m standing by Luis Suarez!!!”
Former Manchester United star Paul McGrath told talkSPORT of his disgust at the t-shirts and he too believed Johnson shouldn’t have worn it.
He said: “If I was in Glen Johnson’s situation, I’d have thrown the shirt to the floor.
“If that had been someone in my time and I’d heard the comments or I’d even suspect he was guilty, and obviously there has been a tribunal, then I would not wear a t-shirt with his name on it, saying all is well and good here.”
Earlier on, fellow defender Daniel Agger told Sky Sports that it was “second nature” to defend his colleague.