Eight-game ban and £40k fine as Suarez found guilty of racism

Luis Suarez has been banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 by the Football Association for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

The Liverpool striker, who has the right of appeal, was sanctioned by an FA Independent Regulatory Commission. The FA later confirmed that Suarez’s suspension will not start until the outcome of any appeal.

On hearing the FA’s verdict, Suarez said, via his twitter account: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support. I’ll keep working!”

The charge was brought after Evra told French TV he was racially abused by the Uruguayan on ten occasions during Manchester United’s Barclays Premier League match at Anfield on 15 October.

Announcing its verdict after a recent two-day hearing, the FA said in a statement released yesterday: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has today found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000, pending appeal.”

The commission’s ruling stated: “Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1); The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2); Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000; The [penalty] is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision.”

The Uruguay striker had strongly denied the accusation and was fully supported by Liverpool. Suarez told Uruguayan media last month: “There is no evidence I said anything racist to him. I said nothing of the sort. There were two parts of the discussion – one in Spanish, one in English. I did not insult him. It was just a way of expressing myself. I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction.”

Evra reported his complaint to match referee Andre Marriner who included it in his report.

Liverpool issued their initial response in a statement, outlining they were “surprised and disappointed” and said they found it “extraordinary” the FA had taken Evra’s word.

They did not officially confirm whether or not they would be appealing, but said: “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. 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 team-mates 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.”

Liverpool also reiterated their stance against racism, and suggested they were keen to see what action the FA would be taking against Evra, claiming he had admitted insulting Suarez himself.

The club also accused the FA of being “determined” to find Suarez guilty, adding: “LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable It is our belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act.”