By RYAN TOLMICH
The “bite heard ’round the world” was sure to end Luis Suarez’s World Cup experience, but FIFA took even bigger measures to make sure the Uruguayan forward suffered the consequences of his action.
FIFA announced Monday that they have issued Suarez a nine game international ban, as well as a four month suspension from “all football-related activity.” Suarez will also be fined $111,740 for the offense. Suarez is allowed to appeal, but he will still miss Uruguay’s upcoming match against Colombia if he does.
“Such behavior cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field,” said chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee Claudio Sulser. “The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr. Suárez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated.”
Suarez’s suspension will see him miss time on the international as well as club level, where he will miss Liverpool’s first nine Premier League matchups before returning Nov. 1 against Newcastle. The suspension also bans Suarez from training with the team, administrative actions and entering soccer stadiums during the duration of the four months.
FIFA clarified after posting their release that Suarez’s is still allowed to complete a transfer this summer, raising speculation over whether Liverpool might want to wash their hands of the mercurial forward.
Broadcast video and sideline photos from Uruguay’s final group stage match against Italy Tuesday showed Suarez bite the shoulder of Italian defender Giorgio Cheillini, leaving visible teethmarks in his skin. At the time, no card was issued and Uruguay went onto win, 1-0, and advance to Saturday’s Round of 16.
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What do you think of Suarez’s suspension? Did FIFA get this one right? Will the ban deter Suarez from doing this a fourth time?
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