Luis Suarez has until Friday afternoon to make an appeal. Should this lengthy ban stand, the Uruguayan striker will miss the remainder of Liverpool’s season. This period includes English Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United, Everton, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.
Breaking this news on Wednesday afternoon was a statement by the English FA which read:
“A three-person independent regulatory commission today upheld the FA's claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three. The suspension begins with immediate effect.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have reacted in defence of their star man. The club called for injustice concerning this verdict. Managing director Ian Ayre declared:
“Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today's Independent Regulatory Commission decision. We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment.”
It is the second time that Luis Suarez receives punishment for biting a player. The former Ajax goal poacher was charged with a seven-game ban for a bite on the shoulder of PSV’s Otman Bakkal in 2010. Controversies linked to Suarez include an intentional handball against Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a racist storm involving Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in 2011, a handball goal against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup this January, and a punch in the jaw of a Chilean defender this March.
• What do you think about the 10-match ban from the English FA on Luis Suarez? Is this justice or injustice? Comment with your view.
