Former Liverpool fullback Glen Johnson has jumped to the defence of ex-teammate Luis Suarez over his past race row with Manchester United hero Patrice Evra.
After an investigation by the Football Association, Suarez was handed an eight-game ban and fined £40,000 in December 2011 after clashing with the Frenchman at Anfield the previous October.
Barcelona striker Suarez started the return fixture against United at Old Trafford in February 2012 where he seemingly refused to shake the hand of Evra before the match started.
Johnson told talkSPORT: "It's a simple fact, I don't think Luis is racist. They [Evra and Suarez] had an altercation and I'll be the first person to back anyone against racism.
"If Luis was racist then I would be backing Evra but I don't think Luis was racist. He's one of the nicest guys, who I got on with at Liverpool.
"There is just no way he's racist. I've seen him on personal levels, been at his kids' birthday parties and he's been to my kids' birthday parties.
"There's no way we'd have a relationship like that if he was racist. I do not believe he's racist and that's why I sat by Luis."
