Liverpool striker Luis Suarez handed eight-match FA ban
Baku, December 21 (AZERTAC). Liverpool`s Luis Suarez has been handed an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine by the Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United`s Patrice Evra.
The Uruguay striker, 24, clashed with the France defender during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October.
Suarez, who denied the allegations, has 14 days to appeal against the decision.
He said on Twitter: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family. Thanks for all the support."
Liverpool, who had backed their player throughout the case, said the club was "very surprised" by the decision, while manager Kenny Dalglish said on Twitter that he was "very disappointed".
The Reds boss added: "This is the time when Luis Suarez needs our full support. Let`s not let him walk alone."
The six-day hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, was told Suarez used "insulting words", which included a reference to Evra`s colour.
A Liverpool statement said: "We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone.
"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.
"It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November.
"Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name."
But Liverpool have questioned whether the FA also intends to charge Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent.
The Anfield statement added: "Evra admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms.
"Luis, to his credit, actually told the FA he had not heard the insult."
The FA said the penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal which may be made by Suarez.
Its statement added: "The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Suarez has an effective right of appeal."
Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), believes the governing body`s decision is a landmark judgement.
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