LONDON (AP):

Liverpool's biggest sponsor criticised the club yesterday for their conduct during the fractious Premier League match against Manchester United that was marred by Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra.

The image of one of England's most successful teams took another battering on Saturday when Suarez snubbed Evra in a pre-match handshake at Old Trafford, reigniting the racism row that flared up when the Ururguay forward racially abused the France defender during a league game in October.

under fire

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish also came under fire for his angry post-match reaction in which he refused to condemn Suarez.

Standard Chartered, which signed a four-year deal in 2009 to be the sponsor on Liverpool's shirt, signalled its discontent to Liverpool's American owners, the Boston-based Fenway Sports Group.

"We were very disappointed by Saturday's incident and have discussed our concerns with the club," the London-based financial services company said.

Standard Chartered's deal with Liverpool, who have won the English title 18 times, are reportedly worth 20 million pounds ($31.5 million) a season and runs through to the end of the 2013-14 season.

Suarez apologised Sunday for letting down Liverpool and "what it stands for," with Dalglish and managing Ian Ayre saying the Uruguay striker had "misled" the club regarding his intention to shake the hand of Evra.