Luis Suarez denies biting, Uruguay FA to appeal

Uruguay's forward Luis Suarez grips his teeth as Italy's defender Giorgio Chiellini clasps his shoulder after the incident. Picture: Getty

The Uruguay FA have given football’s governing body notice of their intention to appeal the four-month ban handed down to the Liverpool striker for the attack on the Italian defender.

Suarez’ statement on the incident, which took place during Uruguay’s group game with Italy on Tuesday, has been obtained by the Associated Press news agency.

In it, Suarez claims: “After the impact ... I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent.

“At that moment I hit my face against the player leaving a small bruise on my cheek and a strong pain in my teeth.”

The explanation was dismissed by the FIFA disciplinary panel, which dubbed the attack “deliberate, intentional and without provocation.”

Suarez was banned from all football for four months, plus nine international matches, and fined 100,000 Swiss francs (around £65,000) for biting Chiellini.

The Liverpool striker has left the World Cup in Brazil and returned to Uruguay.

FIFA head of media Delia Fischer told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro today: “We have received a declaration that they are planning to appeal. They informed us of their intention to appeal yesterday evening.

“The reasons for the appeal must now be given in writing within a deadline of seven days after the three days has expired.”

Suarez has been banned for biting opponents on two previous occasions, as well as facing disciplinary sanctions for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra during a league game.