Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers vows to banish vile chanting between his own and Manchester United's The afternoon had been one for the Premier League to be proud, with a poignant, moving pre-match tribute followed by a handshake between Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra. But as Liverpool's fans left Anfield after a 2-1 defeat, there were clear chants from the Anfield Road end. Rodgers claimed he did not hear them, but maintained the battle against sick chants will go on. Any fears that Suárez and Evra would not shake hands before kick-off were also dispelled, with the Manchester United defender admitting the pair had a duty to make a public show of respect. Seven months ago at Old Trafford Suárez had declined to shake Evra's hand after serving an eight-match ban. "The most important thing today was respect," Evra said. It was a game between two big clubs. There was a big tragedy. People were talking about a handshake but the stories of the clubs is bigger than that. If I hadn't shaken Suárez's hand, I would not be respecting the stories of the clubs. In the end I am glad this time he shook my hand. More importantly, it was important to respect the families. It was not an easy day. Ferguson was also effusive in his praise of United's traditional enemies on an afternoon of high emotion for Merseyside. United legend Sir Bobby Charlton handed flowers to Ian Rush before kick-off while Ferguson insisted it had been a memorable afternoon for the Premier League. "Liverpool did a fantastic job today, the fans were terrific and I don't think there can be any complaint on that part," he said. It was a nice touch Bobby Charlton giving the bouquet to Ian Rush and it demonstrates these two clubs can do things with unity and then we got on with the game. There was ferocity, it was intense and it has been a good day for football. Ian Ayre, Liverpool's chief executive, said: "First and foremost great thanks to Manchester United. Their support today was important and we're grateful. Their fans were excellent and our fans were excellent, which puts it into perspective that it was about the day. This week we have to thank Everton as well and football clubs around the world who have done things. It has been massive for the families and our role as a club is to support them.