Dalglish is aiming to reward fans for support in FA Cup

The decision on Tuesday not to appeal Luis Suarez’s eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra came with certain caveats.

Liverpool, who maintained their defence of the player, accused the Football Association of “constructing a highly subjective case” against the Uruguay international which, he said, had damaged his reputation.

Suarez has apologised – although not to Evra – for any offence his remark may have caused but the reaction from anti-racism groups has not been favourable.

On top of that, the Reds lost 3-0 at Manchester City in midweek but Dalglish is now focusing on the football.

“To get back on the pitch after the week we’ve had on and off it is the best thing we can do,” said the Scot.

“It’ll be a great time, too, for our people to show support for one another – for the players to show their gratitude towards the fans for the support they’ve given us recently and also vice-versa.

“The FA Cup has been undermined in many ways and in many quarters, for varying reasons, but we certainly won’t ever undermine it.

“It’s a competition that’s there to be won so we’ll go into the Oldham game with the same attitude and desire as we went into the Carling Cup.

“The Carling Cup is something people have done the same with – undermined and undervalued – but we went about our job as well as we possibly could and we’ve got our reward for that (with a two-legged semi-final against City starting on Wednesday).”

Dalglish is certain to make several changes for the League One visitors but that does not mean he will take Paul Dickov’s side lightly.

“We’ve always said how strong the squad is and maybe it’s an opportunity for us to give the people in that squad the gratitude they deserve by giving them an opportunity to start the game,” added Dalglish. “But that’s not to say we’re undermining or being disrespectful in any way. We’ll treat Oldham with complete respect.”