Liverpool stand by Suarez after charge by FA

The Football Association last night charged Liverpool forward Luis Suarez with violent conduct for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Luis SuarezLuis Suarez
Luis Suarez

The incident occurred in the 74th minute of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield, in which Suarez went on to score a 96th-minute equaliser.

Suarez could face an extended ban after the FA claimed the standard three-match ban for violent conduct was “clearly insufficient.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An FA statement read: “The FA has charged Liverpool forward Luis Suarez with violent conduct.

“The charge follows an incident with Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in (Sunday’s) fixture at Anfield.

“The incident was not seen by the match officials and has therefore been retrospectively reviewed.

“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.”

Suarez has until 6pm tonight to respond to the charge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last night, Merseyside police said Ivanovic has told them he does not wish to make a complaint about the incident.

Liverpool have pledged not to sell the Uruguay international after his latest transgression, despite many commentators suggesting they should offload a player who had brought more than his fair share of controversy.

The 26-year-old has been fined – with the player requesting the money goes to the Hillsborough Family Support Group – but that will be the extent of the club’s discipline.

Suarez, however, has been told that there cannot be any repeat offences and that he must attempt to change his behaviour on the pitch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ever since he signed a new contract last summer Liverpool have insisted they have no intention of selling their prize asset and despite the unsavoury nature of this latest incident their stance has not changed.

“Luis is a very important player to the club,” said Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre.

“As we keep saying, he signed a new four-year contract last summer and we’d all love to see him here throughout that contract.

“He’s a fantastic player, top scorer and everything we’d want in a striker, so there’s no change there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is more about getting him back on the right track and it’s largely down to (manager) Brendan (Rodgers) now to work with him on that side of his character.”

It was reported last night that Suarez apologised to Ivanovic in a phone call on Sunday evening.

Related topics: