Liverpool criticises ´extraordinary´ Suarez ban

Liverpool say they are both ‘very surprised’ and ‘disappointed’ at the FA’s decision to give Luis Suarez an eight-match ban for misconduct.

Having been accused of racism by Manchester United full-back Patrick Evra, Suarez was been found guilty by the Independent Regulatory Commission on Tuesday of using ‘insulting words’ that ‘included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour’.

The charge stemmed from an English Premier League match between Suarez’s Liverpool and Evra’s Manchester United on October 15.

The eight-match ban and accompanying 40,000-pound fine has been suspended until an appeal process has been completed or the 14-day period to appeal has expired, with the Independent Regulatory Commission to issue their reasons for the sanctions.

Liverpool wasted little time in issuing a response, releasing a statement on their website and claiming it ‘extraordinary’ Suarez had been found guilty.

“Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him,” it read.

“We look forward to the publication of the commission’s judgment. We will study the detailed reasons of the commission once they become available, but reserve our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation.”

“We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken.”

“LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable – without compromise.”

“It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act.”

“It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.”

“Luis himself is of a mixed race family background as his grandfather was black. He has been personally involved since the 2010 World Cup in a charitable project which uses sport to encourage solidarity amongst people of different backgrounds with the central theme that the colour of a person’s skin does not matter; they can all play together as a team.”

Tweeting shortly after the release of the FA statement, Suarez commented: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I’ll keep working!”