Suarez given 10-match ban

24 April 2013 15:18

Luis Suarez has been banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, the Football Association has announced.

The sanction was imposed by an independent regulatory commission on a charge of violent conduct against the Liverpool striker.

An FA statement said: "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."

Suarez has until midday on Friday to appeal the additional suspension.

In a statement, Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre said the club was "shocked and disappointed" by the suspension.

"Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today's Independent Regulatory Commission decision," said managing director Ian Ayre.

"We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment."

Source: PA