Liverpool’s Luis Suarez has been suspended for 10 matches for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in an EPL match last weekend at Anfield. (AFP)
AFP/London
Liverpool forward Luis Suarez yesterday said that he did not appeal against a 10-match ban for biting an opponent because he did not want to give “the wrong impression” about his unacceptable behaviour.
The Football Association (FA) governing body had earlier revealed that the Uruguay striker had not lodged an appeal after he was suspended on Wednesday for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic on the arm.
The decision means the 26-year-old Uruguay international will miss the final four matches of the English Premier League season, starting with today’s match against Newcastle, and the first six of the next campaign.
Suarez posted a link on his Twitter account @luis16suarez in which he explained his decision, saying that he hoped for a swift return and to learn from the experience to improve his behaviour.
“I would like to explain to everybody that I decided to accept the ban because whilst 10 games is clearly greater than those bans given in past cases where players have actually been seriously injured, I acknowledge that my actions were not acceptable so I do not want to give the wrong impression to people by making an appeal,” he said.
He also restated his apology for his actions, saying he was “truly very sorry” about the incident with Ivanovic in last weekend’s match.
“I hope that all the people who I have offended at Anfield last Sunday will grant me forgiveness and I again repeat my personal apology to Branislav.”
British police said they had spoken to Ivanovic but the Serbia defender did not want to press charges.
In response to Suarez’s decision, Liverpool managing director, Ian Ayre, said: “The charges against Luis were his to consider and we have to respect his decision to not appeal the 10-game ban.
“We are all disappointed at the severity of the punishment and in particular the differing standards that have been applied across various previous incidents.
“Luis is an important member of our team and nothing has changed in that regard. We are committed to helping him improve his conduct and he will be given our full support. We look forward to him returning to the team next season when he is available for selection.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers had criticised the FA for indicating before the hearing that they considered the statutory three-match ban to be insufficient punishment.
He said that such statements raised questions about the panel’s independence. He, too, said he was disappointed that the forward had declined to challenge the ruling but added: “We have to move on and support Luis in his decision.
“Luis has made a huge contribution to the squad this season and we respect his decision to accept the ban.
“He will be missed for the remainder of this season and the early part of next, but we will have the opportunity to welcome a better person and player when he returns.”
Suarez is currently the Premier League second top scorer with 23 goals, one behind Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie.
But he is reportedly considering whether to quit English football in protest at the harsh punishment.
Liverpool have pointed out that previous instances of violent conduct were dealt with more leniently and they feel the FA has been inconsistent amid claims from Anfield that Suarez has paid the price for his controversial past.
Rodgers referred to the 2006 cases of Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, who escaped with just a booking for biting West Ham’s Javier Mascherano, and Chester’s Sean Hessey, who was banned for five matches for a bite on Stockport’s Liam Dickinson.
Suarez incurred a seven-game ban for biting PSV midfielder Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax and also an eight-match suspension last season for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
Rodgers said he thought the punishment was “against the man rather than the incident”.