Friday, December 23, 2011

Suarez Ban Could Be Extended

The Football Association has confirmed that Luis Suarez's eight-match ban could be extended if he appeals against the suspension.

On Tuesday, Suarez was handed the ban and a £40,000 fine after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Liverpool reacted angrily to the news, stating they would take every step possible to fight the punishment of Suarez, who has 14 days to respond.

The club is waiting for the full written judgement before deciding on their next course of action, aware that Suarez's ban can be increased, reduced or cancelled altogether by an appeal board.

Meanwhile, the Liverpool players have issued a joint statement to stress their support for Suarez.

The statement read: "Luis Suarez is our teammate and our friend and as a group of players we are shocked and angered that he has been found guilty by the FA.

"We totally support Luis and we want the world to know that. We know he is not racist.

"We are a squad of many different nationalities and backgrounds. All of us support the club's commitment to fighting racism. All of us accept there is no place in the game for any form of discrimination. As a group of players we totally support the Kick it Out Campaign.

"We have lived, trained and played with Luis for almost 12 months and we don't recognize the way he has been portrayed. We will continue to support Luis through this difficult period, and as a popular and respected friend of all his team-mates, he will not walk alone."

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