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Suarez dealt 8-game ban for Evra incident

SuarezEvra (Reuters Pictures)

England's Football Association has sent Liverpool striker Luis Suarez quite the message.

Suarez was handed an eight-game ban and fined £40,000 after the FA found him guilty of misconduct for using racist remarks toward Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra when their two clubs met on Oct. 15.

Based on evidence supplied during the hearing period over the last week, the FA determined that Suarez did indeed direct comments to Evra pertaining to his race. Evra had previously told French media that Suarez said racist remarks to him on at least 10 occasions during the match. Suarez had denied all accusations.

Suarez can appeal the penalty within the next two weeks, and the ban will not begin until that time period has passed or after his potential appeal has been heard. Liverpool issued this statement in response to the decision, implying an appeal is imminent.

What do you think of the punishment?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Negrito can be used as a term of endearment, but it is also used casually. In that even when using the word in a context to try even insult, the insulting part of the context would not hinge on the use of “negrito” but the other words making the insult.

    Reply
  2. I’ve already said this in reply to another’s comment but I just wanted to reiterate for you fellow fans, who it seems don’t get the basis of the Suarez support.
    Liverpool are NOT supporting racism. The point is that Suarez didn’t commit a racist act against Patrice Evra, but is still being portrayed as a racist because of the misguided judgement of the FA. The word Negrito is not racist, no matter in how aggressive a context it is used. I’m haitian, and my parents and all my haitian elders use the word “negre” and it’s similar to negrito in that it technically means “black man,” but it also is the most casual of words and commonplace really. I can use the word in any context. I could say, in french/creole, the negre came over yesterday, or i dont like this negre. The later case is an aggressive context, but it is not made aggressive by the word “negre,” mind you, this all is commonly used by a nation of former African slaves, a.k.a. blacks calling blacks negre. However, if my relatives ever heard the N-word being used, they would be appalled. Now, if you can understand the context of my example then you must understand the stance of Liverpool. There are several problems with the case against Suarez. firstly, you can’t see him on camera as Evra alleged. Secondly, the referee did not report anything. thirdly, this went on around players from both sides(whom you would assume could recognize a racial slur right?) and no one else stepped forward. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, the biggest problem with the case is that Luis Suarez didn’t racially abuse Evra, I mean it’s as plain as that. In fact, the word, that Evra is alleged to have used against Suarez “Sudaco” is a serious insult to South Americans, though in all likelihood it means nothing to you or I, but, as it seems now, there will be no questioning of Evra words. The irony is just overwhelming in this sense, and only adds to the sentiment among those who back Suarez.
    But to sum things up, here’s the issue. Many people are no clamoring to praise the F.A. and to show how proud they are that a precedent has been set, and it is that pride that blinds them from seeing anything wrong with the case. After all, how could fighting against Racism possibly be wrong? And how petty are Liverpool to try and fight against it? Right? Wrong, It doesn’t matter how righteous the cause of anti racism is, you cannot justify progressing the cause if you’re going to do so by wrongly incrimination and tarnishing one’s image and career. And that’s what Liverpool believe is happening. Given the context, they’re right.

    Reply
  3. You’re not understanding the point Pat, the point is that he didn’t commit a racist act against Patrice Evra. The word Negrito is not racist, no matter in how aggressive a context it is used. I’m haitian, and my parents and all my haitian elders use the word “negre” and it’s similar to negrito in that it technically means “black man,” but it also is the most casual of words and commonplace really. I can use the word in any context. I could say, in french/creole, the negre came over yesterday, or i dont like this negre. The later case is an aggressive context, but it is not made aggressive by the word “negre,” mind you, this all is commonly used by a nation of former African slaves, a.k.a. blacks calling blacks negre. However, if my relatives ever heard the N-word being used, they would be appalled. Now, if you can understand the context of my example then you must understand the stance of Liverpool. There are several problems with the case against Suarez. firstly, you can’t see him on camera as Evra alleged. Secondly, the referee did not report anything. thirdly, this went on around players from both sides(whom you would assume could recognize a racial slur right?) and no one else stepped forward. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, the biggest problem with the case is that Luis Suarez didn’t racially abuse Evra, I mean it’s as plain as that. In fact, the word, that Evra is alleged to have used against Suarez “Sudaco” is a serious insult to South Americans, though in all likelihood it means nothing to you or I, but, as it seems now, there will be no questioning of Evra words. The irony is just overwhelming in this sense, and only adds to the sentiment among those who back Suarez.
    But to sum things up, here’s the issue. Many people are no clamoring to praise the F.A. and to show how proud they are that a precedent has been set, and it is that pride that blinds them from seeing anything wrong with the case. After all, how could fighting against Racism possibly be wrong? And how petty are Liverpool to try and fight against it? Right? Wrong, It doesn’t matter how righteous the cause of anti racism is, you cannot justify progressing the cause if you’re going to do so by wrongly incrimination and tarnishing one’s image and career. And that’s what Liverpool believe is happening. Given the context, they’re right.

    Reply
  4. I think he did deserve that punishment, i am glad that FA is not like fifa and choose to ignore racism cases like this. As a football player, you should know that you are a role model to some kids and therefore choose his words carefully. I am a chelsea but i think that if TJ is found guilty for racisme, he should face the same punishment, because even though I like him and would be sad to see him not play, I would rather have justice done. If you think that insulting one based on race is okay, then you got serious problem and get some help. Soon!!

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  5. He didn’t call Evra the “N-word” (by the way, you should watch Louis CK’s rant on this), and I’ll have to disagree. It is entirely relevant that Suarez is a quarter black.

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  6. BrianK
    No you are right, you should be equally offended when someone calls you a cracker…how silly of me.
    I forget, when in history has the African race oppressed the white race and denied the white race of the most basic civil rights?
    The standard is you’ve never faced racism in your entire life and so stop making claims of equality.

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  7. Absurd. How can a player with black heritage(Suarez’s grandfather was black) be racist towards another black player? It’s like saying Kobe was racist with Lamar. Weird.

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  8. Wrong. I am Latin American and I can tell your that the word “negrito” is very derogatory and meant to put down blacks. It is not an endearing word. There is alot of racism still in South America.

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  9. This is a reasonable comment. We (and the FA) sit judging Suarez based on our standards of what is appropriate which is not the same standard. Cultural differences exist, and I sometimes get a little frustrated when people think that all behavior in every part of the world means the same thing to every person.

    That said, Suarez has been in Europe for a while, he should probably know what is and isn’t appropriate. If clubs aren’t already helping new foreign players with cultural adjustments, this incident is a good time to start doing so.

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  10. The rest of the world does abide by the rules and customs of the US. What’s taboo in one place is not taboo in another. There’s much less political correctness in Latin America than in the US…

    So Suarez probably thought nothing of what he said. Also he’s from Uruguay which is about 85% percent white,and the 2nd whitest country in South America after Argentina. (thought I had no idea Suarez’s Grandfather was black)

    I’m not defending Suarez but I’m just saying you can’t always look at everything from an American perspective.

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  11. MicahK,

    Ignorant? Really? Are you Irish? Do you know what that means? What is being implied when someone says that to an Irishman? It is the same thing as calling a black man the N-word. Don’t kid yourself.

    The second comment is bringing attention to the double standard that exist. Black people can shout the n-word from rooftops, give hugs and kisses and say “Whaaat’s up N&$^$!” and sell millions of records using the word for entertainment,….but if a anyone else says it….he/she is a racist and ban him for life begins. Some buffoon stated below that it is OK so blacks can “take ownership” of the word. Mamma mia! The word is offensive but it cannot also be used as a term of endearment.

    Lastly, no one is saying that this crap doesn’t go on all the time all over the world. It is wrong and should be eliminated. BUT,…what is the standard? Did anyone but Evra hear Suarez use the word? Who is to say Evra didn’t say something back. God only knows what else was said on the field between other players. What happens next time when a players claims another player made offensive remarks but no one else heard them? Is the FA going to ban them for 8 matches as well? Is the FA going to protect Irish, Arabs, Asians in the same manner or are only blacks going to be protected by this ruling?

    Reply

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