Brendan Rodgers has launched an outspoken attack on Arsenal, claiming the Gunners have "lacked class" over their very public pursuit of Luis Suarez, according to The Guardian.

Arsenal have had two bids rejected for the Uruguayan, one of which they hoped would trigger a release clause in the player's contract by adding an extra £1 to an offer of £40million.

"I was surprised," said the Liverpool manager of Arsenal's second bid for Suárez.

"I've got to say I've always associated Arsenal as a club with class and so there was a wee bit of a game there. For us, it's about moving on and doing our own work.

"There will come a point where they understand our position.

"Obviously they have an interest and they put that interest in with two bids which were nowhere near what the player is worth. That's within their right.

"There is a market in football for players but from us the message is constant. We do not want to sell."

Suarez played in front of the Anfield crowd as part of Steven Gerrard's testimonial on Saturday - for the first time incidentally since revealing he wanted to leave the club.

He was rewarded a warm reception from the Liverpool fans, although it seems to have made no difference, with the Uruguayan the only first team player not to attend the captain's gala dinner afterwards.

Rodgers also revealed he had received encouragement from the club's owners in his fight to keep Suarez at the club.

"The owners have been brilliant," he added.

"If it was another club needing the money or desperate for the money it could have been a different story. But John Henry and Tom [Werner, the chairman] have been first class through the whole process, so there are no arguments there and it gives you the confidence they are not in any hurry to sell because they understand we are trying to build here."

[cat_link cat="arsenal" type="grid"]