Suarez is currently serving an eight-game ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Evra.

Mancini understands how the row erupted, with Suarez claiming the term he was found to have offended Evra with is not derogatory in his country.

But despite feeling wronged in the affair, Suarez did issue a broad apology for any offence caused last week and Mancini thinks that was a welcome step.

The Italian said: "I think that sometimes a situation like this can happen on the pitch. It is important to apologise for what he did.

"Sometimes on the pitch you can do something that you don't want to do. You are nervous. You don't think on the pitch.

"I don't think Suarez is a racist. He made a mistake? Probably, yes.

"Everyone can do a mistake sometimes. It is impossible that we are always perfect. It is important to say 'I am sorry, I made a mistake, I apologise for this and I accept the charge'."

Liverpool have been heavily criticised for their strong backing of Suarez and their handling of the matter.

Their actions included the wearing of supportive T-shirts for Suarez by players while warming up prior to a Barclays Premier League fixture at Wigan.

Mancini, speaking a press conference to preview tonight's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, said he thought that was "maybe a mistake".

A former striker with Sampdoria, Lazio and Italy, Mancini is well aware of how comments can be made in the heat of the moment on the field.

When asked what was ever said to him as a player, the 47-year-old said: "Everything. In 20 years? I understand. I didn't cry for this.

"I repeat, on the pitch, anything can happen because you don't think, because you are tired, because you are stupid when you are young.

"I said some things but not important things like a racist word."

Mancini does not have to prepare to combat Suarez tonight with the match being the third of the Uruguay striker's suspension.