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Suarez suspended for biting

April 24, 2013

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been banned for 10 matches for biting an opponent during a Premier League match. This is the second time Suarez has been suspended for biting another player.

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Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates his goal against Chelsea during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, April 21, 2013. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS
Image: Reuters

The English Football Association on Wednesday suspended Luis Suarez for 10 games for biting Chelsea's defender Branislav Ivanovic on the upper right arm during the 2-2 draw at Anfield last Sunday.

The suspension rules the Uruguay international out for the season's final four league matches and the first six of next season.

The association said in a statement released Wednesday that an independent panel had determined the regular suspension period for violent conduct of three games was "clearly insufficient." He has until Friday to appeal against the additional seven games.

The 26-year-old has admitted to biting Ivanovic and apologized; has been fined by Liverpool. Following the bite, Suarez went on to score an injury-time equalizer midway though the second half.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said he was "shocked and disappointed" at the suspension.

Suarez is Liverpool's top scorer in the league this term with 23 goals.

In 2010, before joining Liverpool, Suarez received a seven-game ban from the Dutch FA for biting an opponent while playing for Ajax Amsterdam.

He also served an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra last year.

hc/ipj (Reuters, AP, dpa)