LONDON: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been suspended for 10 matches for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in last weekend’s English Premier League match at Anfield, the Football Association said yesterday.
“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 FA said on its website thefa.com.
“The suspension begins with immediate effect,” it added, ruling him out for the remaining four games of this season and the first six games of the 2013/2014 campaign.
Liverpool were quick to react, with managing director Ian Ayre declaring: “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 (Thursday) before making any further comment.”
Suarez has until midday (1100 GMT) tomorrow to appeal the additional suspension to the violent conduct charge against Ivanovic in Sunday’s 2-2 draw.
The Uruguayan striker had pleaded guilty to the charge but had denied the FA’s claim that his initial three-match ban was not enough.
Suarez has apologised to Ivanovic, who suffered a bruised arm from the bite, and the Chelsea defender has acknowledged the apology.
Police have also said that Ivanovic will not press charges.
AFP
