Liverpool striker Luis Suarez made an appearance on the Anfield pitch before kickoff in today's opener against Stoke City.

The Mail on Sunday reports Suarez wore his Liverpool shirt and carried his daughter in his arms as he walked around the Anfield pitch.

The controversial Uruguayan received warm applause from the few Liverpool fans who had arrived early enough to witness the unscheduled 'lap of honour'.

Stoke fans booed and made diving gestures, but Suarez will be reassured by the positive reaction of Reds' supporters.

Before kickoff, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers remarked: "'I think I said in the press conference that Luis Suarez is obviously banned from playing and out until September. Out of respect for all the other players that have been outstanding for me, I am not going to mention any more on Luis Suarez. The main thing is he's back in the group and smiling."

A Liverpool spokesman insists the 'lap of honour' was not staged.

"We don't choreograph things that closely, I just heard about it," he stated.