LONDON: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was charged with violent conduct by the FA yesterday after his shocking bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Suarez sunk his teeth into Ivanovic’s right arm during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield in the Premier League.
A statement released by the FA explained that the incident can be retrospectively reviewed because it was missed by the match officials and hinted that the Uruguayan faces a lengthy ban.
“It is alleged that the conduct of Suarez constitutes violent conduct and it is The FA’s contention that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient in these circumstances,” the statement read.
Suarez, who has been given until 1700 GMT today to respond to the charge, was earlier fined by Liverpool following the incident and asked that the money be donated to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
The ugly incident has sparked widespread condemnation of Suarez and both the player and Liverpool were forced to apologise, while Reds manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his star forward’s actions were unacceptable
But Suarez will hope giving the money to the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in a terrace crush before an FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough in 1989 will help calm the storm surrounding Sunday’s events. Last Monday’s 24th anniversary of the tragedy was marked by a memorial service at Anfield.
“For my unacceptable behaviour yesterday the club has fined me today,” Suarez wrote on Twitter yesterday.
“I have asked the club to donate the money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group for the inconvenience I have created to the Liverpool fans and to Ivanovic.”AFP
