LUIS SUAREZ reckons the eight-game ban he received last season was down to the "political power" held by Manchester United.
The 25-year-old Liverpool forward was handed the suspension and a £40,000 fine in December after being found guilty of racially abusing United's Patrice Evra.
"Man United's political power is strong and you must respect that and shut your mouth," said Suarez.
The controversy was re-ignited in February, when Suarez refused Evra's hand as the teams conducted their pre-match greeting.
Suarez claims his actions were misunderstood. He said: "In England, it was shown the moment when I passed in front of him, but they didn't see that he had his hand low before.
"Only the media in Uruguay and Spain showed I wanted to shake his hand."