Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has apologised for refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand before Saturday's game between Manchester United and Liverpool.

In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon he said: "I have spoken with the Manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong.

"I've not only let him down, but also the Club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.

"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.

"I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."

Ian Ayre, Liverpool's managing director, said the player was "wrong to mislead" Liverpool after telling management he would shake Evra's hand.

"We are extremely disappointed Luis Suárez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game," he said. "The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so," he said.

"He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team-mates and the club. It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suárez that his behaviour was not acceptable.

David Cameron is expected to step into the row over racism in football by staging a Downing Street summit on the issue.

The prime minister and culture secretary Jeremy Hunt are to hold a "round table discussion" with the sport's authorities and
players' representatives, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

The event, scheduled for later this month, comes amid growing fears that high-profile incidents are harming the image of the game in England.