Cameron condemns Suarez bite

British Prime Minister David Cameron has described Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s bite on Branislav Ivanovic as an “appalling example to young people in our country”.

“I made my own views clear, just as a dad watching the game,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“I have a seven-year-old son who loves football, loves watching football and when players behave like this, it sets the most appalling example to young people in our country.”

The incident was not seen by referee Kevin Friend during the game but retrospective action was taken after the official reviewed the footage.

Charges of violent conduct were raised against the striker by the FA and on Thursday an Independent Regulatory Commission handed him a 10-game suspension.

And Cameron believes the punishment is justified given the offence and hopes it sends a message to other players that a better example needs to be set.

“That’s up to the FA, it’s not my decision,” he added.

“The FA make the decision, they are entirely independent and that is the way it should work.

“But if you are asking me as a dad and as a human being do I think we should have tough penalties when football players behave like this? Yes I think we should, but it is entirely a matter for the FA.

“I think it is serious, when we are trying to bring up our children up properly and when they love football, they do look at football players as role models and we have to recognise that.”

Liverpool received the reasons for the ban on Thursday and have until midday on Friday to appeal.