Suarez to apologise to Ivanovic

21 April 2013 20:47

Luis Suarez is to apologise to Branislav Ivanovic after appearing to bite the Chelsea defender during the 2-2 draw at Anfield, Press Association Sport understands.

Suarez looks set to face a Football Association investigation into the incident, which saw the Uruguay international clash with the centre-back in the penalty area before apparently sinking his teeth into his opponent's arm.

Referee Kevin Friend did not see the incident but after numerous television replays highlighted it, the FA are almost certain to act. But the incident has led to Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre cancelling a trip to Australia where he was due to fly on Sunday night to promote a pre-season fixture.

Ayre will instead deal with Liverpool's reaction to the incident and in contrast to previous controversies surrounding Suarez the club are acting swiftly. Suarez is understood to be preparing to apologise to Ivanovic on Sunday night.

It is not the first time Suarez has brought controversy to the club - he was banned for eight matches last season after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra - and he has previous history of biting.

Immediately prior to joining the Reds in January 2011 he served a seven-match ban while at Ajax after sinking his teeth into PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal.

But manager Brendan Rodgers insists no snap decisions will be taken on the future of the player, who is certain to attract interest from Europe's top clubs after scoring his 30th goal of the season.

"It is not for me to make any rash comments or any predictions now," he added. "This is a football club where historically players treat people with how the football club respects society, players and everyone. There is certainly no one bigger than this football club, as a player or a manager.

"Players are always replaceable now matter how good they think they are. That is how football works. Of course there are wonderful talents we've seen at this club and others over many years. You lose a player you think you can't replace but the next one comes along.

"The standards at this football club have been met for many years and that's why it is the worldwide institution that it is. The history of this club is about respect and how people are treated and that is something that will always be maintained here and will always be long after I am gone."

Source: PA