(CNN) -- Liverpool striker Luiz Suarez apologized Sunday for refusing to shake hands with Manchester United's Patrice Evra before the start of an English Premier League match. The Uruguay international was widely criticized for Saturday's snub which came as they met face to face for the first time since he was given an eight-game ban for racially abusing the Frenchman at an earlier fixture between the two clubs in October. United manager Alex Ferguson called Suarez a "disgrace" while Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre was angered by his own player's actions. "We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so," Ayre told the club's official website.
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Luis Suarez apologizes for refusing to shake Patrice Evra's hand
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Uruguay star says he "got things wrong" before start of EPL game
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Suarez criticized by Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre
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Suarez got eight-game ban for racially abusing Man Utd's Evra
Suarez, who scored @placeholder's late goal in the 2-1 defeat, made his public apology later Sunday on the club's website.
At the final whistle, @placeholder openly celebrated his team's victory in close proximity to Suarez and also drew a rebuke from his manager Ferguson.