By Andrew Warshaw
December 20 – One of the most stringent punishments ever meted out by a national federation for racial abuse was imposed tonight on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez when he was banned for a staggering eight matches and fined £40,000 ($63,000/€48,000) by the English Football Association for comments allegedly made against Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
In a move that will have sent out a clear message to football authorities worldwide — not least FIFA President Sepp Blatter — the Uruguayan World Cup star was sanctioned by an FA Independent Regulatory Commission.
The incident took place during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15.
Suarez, who categorically denies the allegations, has 14 days to appeal, and the suspension will not start until the outcome of any such appeal.
The matter came to light after Evra told French television he was racially abused by Suarez on 10 occasions.
“There are cameras, you can see him [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times,” Evra was reported as saying.
He reported his complaint to match referee Andre Marriner, who included it in his report.
Suarez’s claims that he was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.
Following the game in question he told the Uruguayan media: “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.”
Suarez was immediately fully supported by Liverpool who said they were “surprised and disappointed” and said they found it “extraordinary” the FA had taken Evra’s word.
“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,” a statement said.
The club, whose challenge for a top-four Premiership spot would be seriously jeopardised by losing Suarez for effectively 20 percent of the season, also accused the FA of being “determined” to find the player guilty.
“LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable – without compromise,” it said.
“It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act.
“It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.
“It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ‘I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’.
“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.”
On his Twitter account, Suarez said: “I’m upset by the accusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody.”
But Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out which campaigns against racism, said: “The FA has shown leadership and intent through what has clearly been a difficult and complex complaint to deal with, and invested time and expertise to ensure this outcome.
“It has demonstrated that it will not stand for discrimination, something organisations such as FIFA and UEFA should take heed of.”
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