Luis Suarez given ten match ban for biting Ivanovic

25 April 2013 09:24

Liverpool talisman Luis Suarez has been given a 10 match ban by the English Football Association after biting Branislav Ivanovic in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea. This is after the striker formally apologised, accepted the charge of violent conduct but adamantly stated that he should not get more than the typical 3 match ban. The FA however has taken the incident far more seriously as they stated in a press release 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”.

Liverpool have condemned the actions as well as fined Suarez an undisclosed amount but is “shocked and disappointed” at the length of the suspension according to their managing director Ian Ayre. Since Suarez has already pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted a three match ban he can only appeal the additional seven matches and "…has until midday on Friday 26 April…" to do so. As things stand Suarez will not play again this season and miss the first 6 games of the next.

This incident is the latest in a number of clashes between the English FA and Suarez as he was found guilty and given an 8 match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra back in 2011. In the same year he gave the finger to Fulham fans and was banned for one match. When Liverpool and Manchester United meet again in 2012 Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand. This resulted in a very negative response from Manchester United with many calling for Suarez to receive another lengthy ban.

Astonishingly enough it’s not even the first time Suarez has used his teeth as a weapon on a football pitch. At the end of his final game for Ajax in 2010 he was seen on camera sinking his teeth into the shoulder of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal's. Suarez received a 7 match ban from the Dutch FA.

It is clear that the FA have not looked at this latest biting in isolation as their sanctions on Suarez get more severe with each major incident. One can’t help but assume that the FA’s patience with Suarez is running out as he is a repeat offender who shows no signs of improving his behaviour. Even when he is not biting anyone or referring to his opponents in racial slurs he takes an approach to the game which leads the majority of his opponents criticizing him for unsporting behaviour. And when one looks at incidents such as his diving against Stoke and his celebration against Everton in reaction to David Moyes comments towards him, it is clear that his critics have a point.

Luis Suarez Ajax Bite.



Luis Suarez Liverpool Bite.

Source: DSG