Eight years have passed since Patrice Evra accused Luis Suarez of using racist language towards him during Manchester United versus Liverpool in October 2011.A two-month investigation resulted in the Football Association issuing the Uruguayan striker with an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine.The Anfield club responded to the decision by wearing custom t-shirts in support of Suarez during the warm-up for their match with Wigan a day later.Jamie Carragher - who played the United - Liverpool match and was involved in the protest over his former teammate’s punishment - has since conceded he was wrong in an appearance alongside Evra on Sky Sports.“There is no doubt we made a massive mistake; that was obvious,” the ex-Reds defender said.

In an extensive discussion of the saga with the Frenchman, Carragher also admitted he lacked the “courage” to do what was right.

Rio Ferdinand - a colleague of Evra’s at the time - has weighed in, suggesting Liverpool must do more to address a regrettable part of their history.

“Testament to Jamie Carragher for apologising, eight years after the incident,” the 40-year-old said on BT Sport.

“But I think it is bigger than Jamie Carragher. It is the club.

“Liverpool let themselves down that day by wearing t-shirts in support of someone who had been accused of racist language.

“Eight years on and still the apology hasn’t come from Liverpool.

"It is not a t-shirt that is going to change it, it is education.”

Ferdinand is right in saying that significant action is required to tackle racism in football.

The six-time Premier League winner also commented on the recent racial abuse suffered by England players in Bulgaria, and the incident that forced Haringey Borough players to abandon an FA Cup qualifying tie against Yeovil.

“I think England’s players handled it well. There is no absolute way to deal with it and the powers that be are struggling with the sanctions,” Ferdinand added.

“I am of the mindset: punish them on the pitch. But the way Haringey and Yeovil dealt with it, coming together and walking off, shows unity from the football world. That was a good sign.”