The international players' union FIFPro has questioned why Liverpool should be affected by Luis Suarez's four-month ban from all football for biting while his lawyer has described the punishment as "grotesque and absurd" and claimed: "All that was missing was life imprisonment."
FIFPro has called for FIFA to address that issue and said that the sanction on the striker should have included "serious treatment" to help Suarez deal with his problem - his attack on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini was the third time in four years that he has bitten an opponent.
The union said Suarez's "right to work" was also being infringed while Suarez and the Uruguay FA were appealing against the sanctions, which include a nine-match international suspension.
FIPro said in a statement: "This is a very serious matter, as reflected by the sanctions imposed by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
"The sanction will be reviewed and FIFA will have to focus especially on the accumulation of sanctions including a four-month ban from all football
activity.
"The fact that Suarez is prohibited from working for a long period must be addressed as it directly infringes his right to work. Also the fact that Liverpool FC is affected needs to be an important issue.
"Luis Suarez should receive all the support he needs to deal with any off-field issues he may be experiencing at this time. This means that the focus should be on the rehabilitation and serious treatment of the player.
"FIFPro believes that treatment must be a part of any sanction. Luis Suarez deserves all the support he needs including legal support in the appeal case in order to achieve a reduction of the sanctions."
The player's lawyer Alejandro Balbi, meanwhile, told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "The ban is absolutely disproportionate considering what Luis did.
"Julio Grondona, vice-president of FIFA, told me that he had never seen such a serious ban handed to a player.
"This is so grotesque and absurd that the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) will have to revoke this unjust ruling.
"Unjust not just due to the number of games given, which is already incredible, illogical and arbitrary, but also the issue of not being able to be allowed to have any relationship with football in 120 days, and then there's the fine.
"All that was missing was life imprisonment."
The international players' union FIFPro has questioned why Liverpool should be affected by Luis Suarez's four-month ban from all football for biting while his lawyer has described the punishment as "grotesque and absurd" and claimed: "All that was missing was life imprisonment."
FIFPro has called for FIFA to address that issue and said that the sanction on the striker should have included "serious treatment" to help Suarez deal with his problem - his attack on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini was the third time in four years that he has bitten an opponent.
The union said Suarez's "right to work" was also being infringed while Suarez and the Uruguay FA were appealing against the sanctions, which include a nine-match international suspension.
FIPro said in a statement: "This is a very serious matter, as reflected by the sanctions imposed by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
"The sanction will be reviewed and FIFA will have to focus especially on the accumulation of sanctions including a four-month ban from all football
activity.
"The fact that Suarez is prohibited from working for a long period must be addressed as it directly infringes his right to work. Also the fact that Liverpool FC is affected needs to be an important issue.
"Luis Suarez should receive all the support he needs to deal with any off-field issues he may be experiencing at this time. This means that the focus should be on the rehabilitation and serious treatment of the player.
"FIFPro believes that treatment must be a part of any sanction. Luis Suarez deserves all the support he needs including legal support in the appeal case in order to achieve a reduction of the sanctions."
The player's lawyer Alejandro Balbi, meanwhile, told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "The ban is absolutely disproportionate considering what Luis did.
"Julio Grondona, vice-president of FIFA, told me that he had never seen such a serious ban handed to a player.
"This is so grotesque and absurd that the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) will have to revoke this unjust ruling.
"Unjust not just due to the number of games given, which is already incredible, illogical and arbitrary, but also the issue of not being able to be allowed to have any relationship with football in 120 days, and then there's the fine.
"All that was missing was life imprisonment."
England international Adam Lallana will undergo a medical at Melwood on Friday afternoon ahead of a proposed move to Liverpool, according to reports on Friday.
Steven Gerrard in action against Southampton’s captain Adam Lallana during the Premiership match at St Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Lallana has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time, but negotiations to buy him from Southampton stalled when the Saints announced they wouldn’t make any decisions over transfers until the appointment of a new manager.
Ronald Koeman became Mauricio Pochettino’s successor at St Mary’s earlier this month and just days after Lallana’s return from the World Cup, it looks like the deal is set to be completed.
All newspapers report the fee as £25 million.
The 26-year-old had an outstanding season with Southampton, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances and creating a further 68 goalscoring chances, according to stats website Squawka.
Lallana would become Liverpool’s third signing of the summer after the Reds completed deals for Rickie Lambert and Emre Can earlier this month.
Liverpool will certainly be looking to announce some good news in a week marred by FIFA’s four-month ban of forward Luis Suarez from world football.
Despite his ban, BBC Sport claim Barcelona are still interested in signing the 27-year-old Uruguayan international.
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the third goal against Crystal Palace during the Premiership match at Selhurst Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However, journalist Ben Smith doesn’t see Liverpool selling easily and, despite Suarez being unable to play until almost November, will not be undercut on price:
“Liverpool will not cash in on one of the world’s best strikers for the sake of it – the owners will do what they feel is right for the club.
“It may take an offer of around £80m to persuade them to sell. Even then, the deal would have to be the right one for Liverpool”
England international Adam Lallana will undergo a medical at Melwood on Friday afternoon ahead of a proposed move to Liverpool, according to reports on Friday.
Steven Gerrard in action against Southampton’s captain Adam Lallana during the Premiership match at St Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Lallana has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time, but negotiations to buy him from Southampton stalled when the Saints announced they wouldn’t make any decisions over transfers until the appointment of a new manager.
Ronald Koeman became Mauricio Pochettino’s successor at St Mary’s earlier this month and just days after Lallana’s return from the World Cup, it looks like the deal is set to be completed.
All newspapers report the fee as £25 million.
The 26-year-old had an outstanding season with Southampton, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances and creating a further 68 goalscoring chances, according to stats website Squawka.
Lallana would become Liverpool’s third signing of the summer after the Reds completed deals for Rickie Lambert and Emre Can earlier this month.
Liverpool will certainly be looking to announce some good news in a week marred by FIFA’s four-month ban of forward Luis Suarez from world football.
Despite his ban, BBC Sport claim Barcelona are still interested in signing the 27-year-old Uruguayan international.
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the third goal against Crystal Palace during the Premiership match at Selhurst Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However, journalist Ben Smith doesn’t see Liverpool selling easily and, despite Suarez being unable to play until almost November, will not be undercut on price:
“Liverpool will not cash in on one of the world’s best strikers for the sake of it – the owners will do what they feel is right for the club.
“It may take an offer of around £80m to persuade them to sell. Even then, the deal would have to be the right one for Liverpool”
Sky sources understand that Southampton forward Adam Lallana is on his way to Liverpool to undergo a medical ahead of joining Brendan Rodgers' side.
More to follow...
Sky sources understand that Southampton forward Adam Lallana is on his way to Liverpool to undergo a medical ahead of joining Brendan Rodgers' side.
More to follow...
Diego Maradona believes FIFA's four-month ban of Luis Suarez is 'shameful' and believes it is a politically-motivated decision.
Suarez will also be unable to play any football until October 26 after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the game between the sides on Tuesday.
Maradona declared his unconditional support for the controversial Uruguayan on his television show 'De Zurda' on Thursday, wearing a T-shirt bearing the message "Luis, we are with you".
"The FIFA sanction is shameful, they have no sensitivity towards the fans, they might as well handcuff him and throw him in Guantanamo," said Maradona, who himself was given a 15-month ban from football during the 1994 World Cup for testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.
"The sanction on Luis is a way of punishing Uruguayan clubs for asking CONMEBOL (the South American confederation) for a fairer share of money. It hurts that they have cut short the career of a lad who is a winner. It's an excessive suspension, FIFA cannot talk about morals to anyone.
"Suarez didn't kill anyone. This is an unjust punishment."
Maradona also spoke to Uruguay's president Jose Mujica, who was waiting for Suarez at Montevideo airport, via video link.
Mujica suggested FIFA was punishing Suarez for reasons other than the aggression against Chiellini, which is the third time in his career he has bitten an opponent.
"We feel that this is an assault on the poor because this gang will never forgive him because he never went to university, he isn't educated, he grew up on the field, and he is a natural rebel and expresses his anger naturally," said the president.
"Here they add everything together but the boy really shouldn't be blamed for his reaction. It's a match and these things happen and then there's no need to look into every incident, because if we did that in every game we'd be playing five-a-side."
Diego Maradona believes FIFA's four-month ban of Luis Suarez is 'shameful' and believes it is a politically-motivated decision.
Suarez will also be unable to play any football until October 26 after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the game between the sides on Tuesday.
Maradona declared his unconditional support for the controversial Uruguayan on his television show 'De Zurda' on Thursday, wearing a T-shirt bearing the message "Luis, we are with you".
"The FIFA sanction is shameful, they have no sensitivity towards the fans, they might as well handcuff him and throw him in Guantanamo," said Maradona, who himself was given a 15-month ban from football during the 1994 World Cup for testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.
"The sanction on Luis is a way of punishing Uruguayan clubs for asking CONMEBOL (the South American confederation) for a fairer share of money. It hurts that they have cut short the career of a lad who is a winner. It's an excessive suspension, FIFA cannot talk about morals to anyone.
"Suarez didn't kill anyone. This is an unjust punishment."
Maradona also spoke to Uruguay's president Jose Mujica, who was waiting for Suarez at Montevideo airport, via video link.
Mujica suggested FIFA was punishing Suarez for reasons other than the aggression against Chiellini, which is the third time in his career he has bitten an opponent.
"We feel that this is an assault on the poor because this gang will never forgive him because he never went to university, he isn't educated, he grew up on the field, and he is a natural rebel and expresses his anger naturally," said the president.
"Here they add everything together but the boy really shouldn't be blamed for his reaction. It's a match and these things happen and then there's no need to look into every incident, because if we did that in every game we'd be playing five-a-side."
A month can be a long time in football, writes Jeff Goulding.
Ian Cotton, Liverpool’s press officer from 1996-2012, was famed for the brevity of his press releases. He would have been proud of Liverpool’s response to the FIFA ruling on Luis Suarez.
“Liverpool Football Club will wait until we have seen and had time to review the FIFA Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment.”
It’s a tough one for the club. It is also a massive distraction at a time when we should be focussed on taking the next step.
Uruguay have already nailed their flag to the mast and announced their intention to appeal. Without Suarez it’s difficult to see them progressing to a World Cup Final. It feels like a last throw of the dice and it probably is.
For Liverpool this ban will leave a very bitter taste. It almost certainly punishes the Reds far more severely than the players national team and I would argue than they deserve.
Luis will be eligible to play in the Premier League again on the 1st of November. However the severity of the ban means he can’t even train with his club until then. He will almost certainly need a pre-season before he could actually play, which means we are not likely to see him until December.
This is harsh considering the crime was committed whilst on international duty – duty which Liverpool conform to by releasing Suarez to FIFA. It feels even more unjust given the investment Liverpool have made in keeping a lid on the players behavioural issues.
One possible way out for Liverpool would be to try and offload the player. In doing so they almost certainly empower any buyer, who will surely take full advantage of the clubs predicament and attempt to drive the price down.
In any case why would any team agree to pay the players wages when he can’t play for four months? Surely it makes more sense to let Liverpool pay him and then swoop in January.
If there is any legal avenue open to them, then the club will certainly consider an appeal on the basis that they are being disproportionally punished. If they get it lifted at club level a transfer that benefits the club and the player may be possible.
However, in doing so they risk the media portraying an appeal as us condoning the players actions. They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
What if we accept the ban? Take the hit and move on? As unpalatable as it is, this may be our best and only option.
The hope being that some stellar performances throughout December could help restore some of the players value. January is a terrible month to get deals done and tends to see the selling club profit most.
It’s all a far cry from the end of season awards ceremonies just over a month ago. It seems in Football, a month is a very long time.
I am a proud Scouser, who has been following the Reds and living the dream for over forty years. I write fiction and non fiction, and I am working on my first novel.
A month can be a long time in football, writes Jeff Goulding.
Ian Cotton, Liverpool’s press officer from 1996-2012, was famed for the brevity of his press releases. He would have been proud of Liverpool’s response to the FIFA ruling on Luis Suarez.
“Liverpool Football Club will wait until we have seen and had time to review the FIFA Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment.”
It’s a tough one for the club. It is also a massive distraction at a time when we should be focussed on taking the next step.
Uruguay have already nailed their flag to the mast and announced their intention to appeal. Without Suarez it’s difficult to see them progressing to a World Cup Final. It feels like a last throw of the dice and it probably is.
For Liverpool this ban will leave a very bitter taste. It almost certainly punishes the Reds far more severely than the players national team and I would argue than they deserve.
Luis will be eligible to play in the Premier League again on the 1st of November. However the severity of the ban means he can’t even train with his club until then. He will almost certainly need a pre-season before he could actually play, which means we are not likely to see him until December.
This is harsh considering the crime was committed whilst on international duty – duty which Liverpool conform to by releasing Suarez to FIFA. It feels even more unjust given the investment Liverpool have made in keeping a lid on the players behavioural issues.
One possible way out for Liverpool would be to try and offload the player. In doing so they almost certainly empower any buyer, who will surely take full advantage of the clubs predicament and attempt to drive the price down.
In any case why would any team agree to pay the players wages when he can’t play for four months? Surely it makes more sense to let Liverpool pay him and then swoop in January.
If there is any legal avenue open to them, then the club will certainly consider an appeal on the basis that they are being disproportionally punished. If they get it lifted at club level a transfer that benefits the club and the player may be possible.
However, in doing so they risk the media portraying an appeal as us condoning the players actions. They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
What if we accept the ban? Take the hit and move on? As unpalatable as it is, this may be our best and only option.
The hope being that some stellar performances throughout December could help restore some of the players value. January is a terrible month to get deals done and tends to see the selling club profit most.
It’s all a far cry from the end of season awards ceremonies just over a month ago. It seems in Football, a month is a very long time.
I am a proud Scouser, who has been following the Reds and living the dream for over forty years. I write fiction and non fiction, and I am working on my first novel.
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini believes Luis Suarez’s ban for biting him is 'excessive'.
The Uruguay striker has been given a four-month suspension for the incident in the game between the sides on Tuesday and has been suspended for nine international matches.
Suarez has left Brazil and flown home to Uruguay but Chiellini is not convinced FIFA have taken the correct course of action and hopes the striker will be allowed to return to be with his team-mates for their last-16 match with Colombia on Saturday night.
"Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done," said the Juventus centre-back.
"There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match. At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.
"I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive.
"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini believes Luis Suarez’s ban for biting him is 'excessive'.
The Uruguay striker has been given a four-month suspension for the incident in the game between the sides on Tuesday and has been suspended for nine international matches.
Suarez has left Brazil and flown home to Uruguay but Chiellini is not convinced FIFA have taken the correct course of action and hopes the striker will be allowed to return to be with his team-mates for their last-16 match with Colombia on Saturday night.
"Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done," said the Juventus centre-back.
"There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match. At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.
"I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive.
"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."
Italian international defender Giorgio Chiellini has offered an olive branch to Luis Suarez following the Liverpool forward’s four month ban from football.
Suarez bit the shoulder of Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Italy at the World Cup on Tuesday and has subsequently been banned by FIFA.
The 27-year-old has been banned from the sport for four months and nine international games, though an appeal has been lodged by Uruguay.
Chiellini, who plays his club football for Juventus in Serie A, says he feels not resentment for Suarez and described FIFA’s punishment as “excessive”.
“Now inside me there’s no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that’s done,” he wrote on his official personal website.
“There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.”
The 29-year-old continued to offer his support for Suarez in dealing with the imminent future.
“At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.
“I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive.
“I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player.”
Suarez arrived back in Uruguay on Thursday night to support from fans:
Liverpool are yet to make an proper statement in reply to FIFA’s sanction, which will see Suarez unable take part in club activities until late October.
A brief statement from chief executive officer Ian Ayre on their official website reads:
Liverpool Football Club will wait until we have seen and had time to review the FIFA Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment.
Have a read of what Friday’s back pages are saying in our newspaper round-up.
Italian international defender Giorgio Chiellini has offered an olive branch to Luis Suarez following the Liverpool forward’s four month ban from football.
Suarez bit the shoulder of Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Italy at the World Cup on Tuesday and has subsequently been banned by FIFA.
The 27-year-old has been banned from the sport for four months and nine international games, though an appeal has been lodged by Uruguay.
Chiellini, who plays his club football for Juventus in Serie A, says he feels not resentment for Suarez and described FIFA’s punishment as “excessive”.
“Now inside me there’s no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that’s done,” he wrote on his official personal website.
“There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.”
The 29-year-old continued to offer his support for Suarez in dealing with the imminent future.
“At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.
“I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive.
“I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player.”
Suarez arrived back in Uruguay on Thursday night to support from fans:
Liverpool are yet to make an proper statement in reply to FIFA’s sanction, which will see Suarez unable take part in club activities until late October.
A brief statement from chief executive officer Ian Ayre on their official website reads:
Liverpool Football Club will wait until we have seen and had time to review the FIFA Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment.
Have a read of what Friday’s back pages are saying in our newspaper round-up.
Diego Maradona said FIFA’s four-month ban of Luis Suarez is ‘shameful’ and believes it is a politically-motivated decision.
Suarez will also be unable to play any football until October 26 after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the game between the sides on Tuesday.
Maradona declared his unconditional support for the controversial Uruguayan on his television show 'De Zurda' on Thursday, wearing a T-shirt bearing the message “Luis, we are with you”.
"The FIFA sanction is shameful, they have no sensitivity towards the fans, they might as well handcuff him and throw him in Guantanamo," said Maradona, who himself was given a 15-month ban from football during the 1994 World Cup for testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.
"The sanction on Luis is a way of punishing Uruguayan clubs for asking CONMEBOL (the South American confederation) for a fairer share of money. It hurts that they have cut short the career of a lad who is a winner. It's an excessive suspension, FIFA cannot talk about morals to anyone.
"Suarez didn't kill anyone. This is an unjust punishment, the act of an incredible mafia."
Maradona also spoke to Uruguay's president Jose Mujica, who was waiting for Suarez at Montevideo airport, via video link.
Mujica suggested FIFA was punishing Suarez for reasons other than the aggression against Chiellini, which is the third time in his career he has bitten an opponent.
"We feel that this is an assault on the poor because this gang will never forgive him because he never went to university, he isn't educated, he grew up on the field, and he is a natural rebel and expresses his anger naturally," said the president.
"Here they add everything together but the boy really shouldn't be blamed for his reaction. It's a match and these things happen and then there's no need to look into every incident, because if we did that in every game we'd be playing five-a-side."
Diego Maradona said FIFA’s four-month ban of Luis Suarez is ‘shameful’ and believes it is a politically-motivated decision.
Suarez will also be unable to play any football until October 26 after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the game between the sides on Tuesday.
Maradona declared his unconditional support for the controversial Uruguayan on his television show 'De Zurda' on Thursday, wearing a T-shirt bearing the message “Luis, we are with you”.
"The FIFA sanction is shameful, they have no sensitivity towards the fans, they might as well handcuff him and throw him in Guantanamo," said Maradona, who himself was given a 15-month ban from football during the 1994 World Cup for testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.
"The sanction on Luis is a way of punishing Uruguayan clubs for asking CONMEBOL (the South American confederation) for a fairer share of money. It hurts that they have cut short the career of a lad who is a winner. It's an excessive suspension, FIFA cannot talk about morals to anyone.
"Suarez didn't kill anyone. This is an unjust punishment, the act of an incredible mafia."
Maradona also spoke to Uruguay's president Jose Mujica, who was waiting for Suarez at Montevideo airport, via video link.
Mujica suggested FIFA was punishing Suarez for reasons other than the aggression against Chiellini, which is the third time in his career he has bitten an opponent.
"We feel that this is an assault on the poor because this gang will never forgive him because he never went to university, he isn't educated, he grew up on the field, and he is a natural rebel and expresses his anger naturally," said the president.
"Here they add everything together but the boy really shouldn't be blamed for his reaction. It's a match and these things happen and then there's no need to look into every incident, because if we did that in every game we'd be playing five-a-side."
The future of Luis Suarez at Liverpool is dividing opinion and Chris Williams explains why he believes it could be the end of the road at Anfield for the Uruguayan.
Luis Suarez celebrates after setting-up the second goal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
What I’m about to write pains me a great deal.
It pains me because since John Barnes graced my vision as a young lad growing up I haven’t seen a better technical master on the ball than Luis Suarez.
No player has fostered the childlike obsession like Luis Suarez has, he is truly a master of wizardry when it comes to a synthetic spherical object inflated to 0.2 atmospheres.
Suarez has form, he had it before he arrived at Liverpool. Suarez has that uncontrollable red mist that descends; it makes him a liability but that sheer focus makes him a winner, the will to win is unstoppable.
On first reflection I’d take a team of Suarez’ every single day over a team of nice guys who lack the appetite (no pun) to compete at the highest level, and by Christ we’ve had a few of them over the last two decades.
I’ll skirt over the Patrice Evra incident as the only two people who will ever know what happened are Evra and Suarez. The FA found him guilty through probability; i.e. He probably did it, no concrete evidence one way or the other.
I’m not a fan of circumstantial evidence I operate on definitives not ifs, buts and maybes.
To this day I am still unsure on my stance, I’d like to think that no one would make reference to someone’s race as a derogatory statement in a sporting fixture; I’m not naive enough to think it doesn’t happen, I just think we as a human race owe more than that to each other.
Cue the 21 April 2013 and Branislav Ivanovic. A frustrated Suarez reacted with an out of nowhere bite to the Chelsea defender.
I think I wasn’t alone by palming my hand into my face and thinking “what the fu…”. Suarez received a 10 match ban from the FA and Liverpool started the 2013/14 season without their talisman.
Suarez apologised for his “inexcusable behaviour,” adding, “I apologise to my manager and everyone at Liverpool for letting them down”.
Ian Ayre said his actions on the pitch did not befit that of a Liverpool player and Suarez had a long summer to contemplate his actions.
He returned to action in the September of 2013 and went on to give the impression of a changed man, he almost guided Liverpool to a 19th league title and set to bed the idea that he was a liability, he proved to the world, but more importantly to the club, that his talent and ability was world class. An asset that any club would be proud to have.
Brazil 2014 was supposed to be Suarez’ crowning glory, the opportunity to establish himself as the natural successor to the Messi or Ronaldo debate. He single-handily dumped England out of the World Cup with a natural display of clinical finishing.
Suarez had arrived and he had performed on the biggest of all stages just when his country needed him the most.
This leads us to the group D World Cup match between Italy and Uruguay at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, Tuesday, June 24, 2014. A frustrated Suarez (see above for after reaction to frustration) once again decided to react with a bite.
What were we witnessing? He was a changed man was he not? He’d rebuilt his reputation in England and across the world but in one swift second Suarez had broken down everything he’d worked so hard to change over the 2013/14 season.
In one mad moment he’d shown the world he was a liability, albeit a world class one.
FIFA have this afternoon handed out a 4 month world wide suspension from all footballing activities. This prevents Suarez from even entering the Uruguay World Cup hotel. More crucially it prevents him from training with Liverpool until October.
His actions have gone someway to underline the old adage “a leopard never changes it’s spots”. His actions have also ensured he can’t train with his club, who will continue to pay him £200,000 a week for this privilege.
He will miss the first nine Premier League games (for the second successive season). He will also miss the first three Champions League group games. That equates to a quarter of a season.
I opened this piece with the words “What I’m about to write pains me a great deal” and I chose this because, for me, it’s time to cut our losses; our losses as a club.
Suarez is a tortured soul and Liverpool have stuck by him through thick and thin on countless more occasions than mentioned here but it is evident he hasn’t learnt his lesson.
I don’t do this from any moral standpoint but from a standpoint of no one is bigger than the club.
When a player can not learn from his mistakes, and those mistakes impact the club time and time again, then you can do no more than say thank you for the memories.
Luis Suarez looks dejected after missing a chance against Newcastle United during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Loyalty is rare in football and Liverpool have been loyal to Suarez, however he has repaid this loyalty with no change in his behaviour which now impacts us as a club, again.
£200,000 a week and not playing for 16 weeks isn’t good business.
Missing a quarter of a season through repeated poor indiscipline isn’t good business.
Having £80m of talent sat at home when that money could be reinvested isn’t good business. A player unable to train with the squad, or at Melwood on his own, until October isn’t good business.
The same player being way short of match fitness or squad tactical knowledge until approximately December isn’t good business.
With Real Madrid or Barcelona waiting in the wings with £80m, and even with a successful appeal which is unlikely, I’m sorry to say that with his liability status in no doubt then for Liverpool Football Club Luis Suarez is no longer good business.
Do you agree with Chris? Let us know in the comments below.
The future of Luis Suarez at Liverpool is dividing opinion and Chris Williams explains why he believes it could be the end of the road at Anfield for the Uruguayan.
Luis Suarez celebrates after setting-up the second goal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
What I’m about to write pains me a great deal.
It pains me because since John Barnes graced my vision as a young lad growing up I haven’t seen a better technical master on the ball than Luis Suarez.
No player has fostered the childlike obsession like Luis Suarez has, he is truly a master of wizardry when it comes to a synthetic spherical object inflated to 0.2 atmospheres.
Suarez has form, he had it before he arrived at Liverpool. Suarez has that uncontrollable red mist that descends; it makes him a liability but that sheer focus makes him a winner, the will to win is unstoppable.
On first reflection I’d take a team of Suarez’ every single day over a team of nice guys who lack the appetite (no pun) to compete at the highest level, and by Christ we’ve had a few of them over the last two decades.
I’ll skirt over the Patrice Evra incident as the only two people who will ever know what happened are Evra and Suarez. The FA found him guilty through probability; i.e. He probably did it, no concrete evidence one way or the other.
I’m not a fan of circumstantial evidence I operate on definitives not ifs, buts and maybes.
To this day I am still unsure on my stance, I’d like to think that no one would make reference to someone’s race as a derogatory statement in a sporting fixture; I’m not naive enough to think it doesn’t happen, I just think we as a human race owe more than that to each other.
Cue the 21 April 2013 and Branislav Ivanovic. A frustrated Suarez reacted with an out of nowhere bite to the Chelsea defender.
I think I wasn’t alone by palming my hand into my face and thinking “what the fu…”. Suarez received a 10 match ban from the FA and Liverpool started the 2013/14 season without their talisman.
Suarez apologised for his “inexcusable behaviour,” adding, “I apologise to my manager and everyone at Liverpool for letting them down”.
Ian Ayre said his actions on the pitch did not befit that of a Liverpool player and Suarez had a long summer to contemplate his actions.
He returned to action in the September of 2013 and went on to give the impression of a changed man, he almost guided Liverpool to a 19th league title and set to bed the idea that he was a liability, he proved to the world, but more importantly to the club, that his talent and ability was world class. An asset that any club would be proud to have.
Brazil 2014 was supposed to be Suarez’ crowning glory, the opportunity to establish himself as the natural successor to the Messi or Ronaldo debate. He single-handily dumped England out of the World Cup with a natural display of clinical finishing.
Suarez had arrived and he had performed on the biggest of all stages just when his country needed him the most.
This leads us to the group D World Cup match between Italy and Uruguay at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, Tuesday, June 24, 2014. A frustrated Suarez (see above for after reaction to frustration) once again decided to react with a bite.
What were we witnessing? He was a changed man was he not? He’d rebuilt his reputation in England and across the world but in one swift second Suarez had broken down everything he’d worked so hard to change over the 2013/14 season.
In one mad moment he’d shown the world he was a liability, albeit a world class one.
FIFA have this afternoon handed out a 4 month world wide suspension from all footballing activities. This prevents Suarez from even entering the Uruguay World Cup hotel. More crucially it prevents him from training with Liverpool until October.
His actions have gone someway to underline the old adage “a leopard never changes it’s spots”. His actions have also ensured he can’t train with his club, who will continue to pay him £200,000 a week for this privilege.
He will miss the first nine Premier League games (for the second successive season). He will also miss the first three Champions League group games. That equates to a quarter of a season.
I opened this piece with the words “What I’m about to write pains me a great deal” and I chose this because, for me, it’s time to cut our losses; our losses as a club.
Suarez is a tortured soul and Liverpool have stuck by him through thick and thin on countless more occasions than mentioned here but it is evident he hasn’t learnt his lesson.
I don’t do this from any moral standpoint but from a standpoint of no one is bigger than the club.
When a player can not learn from his mistakes, and those mistakes impact the club time and time again, then you can do no more than say thank you for the memories.
Luis Suarez looks dejected after missing a chance against Newcastle United during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Loyalty is rare in football and Liverpool have been loyal to Suarez, however he has repaid this loyalty with no change in his behaviour which now impacts us as a club, again.
£200,000 a week and not playing for 16 weeks isn’t good business.
Missing a quarter of a season through repeated poor indiscipline isn’t good business.
Having £80m of talent sat at home when that money could be reinvested isn’t good business. A player unable to train with the squad, or at Melwood on his own, until October isn’t good business.
The same player being way short of match fitness or squad tactical knowledge until approximately December isn’t good business.
With Real Madrid or Barcelona waiting in the wings with £80m, and even with a successful appeal which is unlikely, I’m sorry to say that with his liability status in no doubt then for Liverpool Football Club Luis Suarez is no longer good business.
Do you agree with Chris? Let us know in the comments below.
The controversial Uruguayan has been banned for four months from all football by FIFA, following his inexcusable bite on Giorgio Chiellini on Tuesday. We round up some of the best reaction from the British media since the news broke on Thursday.
The Times have revealed Liverpool’s unhappiness at the situation, with them reporting that the club may well take legal action against FIFA for not allowing Suarez to represent the Reds for the next four months.
BBC Sport‘s Phil McNulty described how Suarez’s behaviour has affected not only his own image, but also Uruguay’s:
“In taking Suarez out of the World Cup, Fifa has wiped away the biggest stain on events here in Brazil. Uruguay – in a state of lockdown and denial that did them a disservice – are instantly in reduced circumstances ahead of their meeting with Colombia at the Maracana on Saturday.
“The fact that it was done in front of a global audience and was headline news in the United States, as well as on every sports and news programme in Brazil, only emphasises the damage he has done to his, Uruguay’s and the game’s reputation.”
Oliver Holt of the Daily Mirror had sympathy for Liverpool and their fans, believing the club’s star man has let them down yet again:
“The four-month ban from all football is desperately harsh on Liverpool, particularly as the player appeared to have become a reformed character in their colours. It is a brutal blow to the club’s hopes of improving on the wonderful season they have just had.
“Let’s not forget Liverpool supporters, either. They have been unswervingly loyal to Suarez and have argued in his defence with great passion and logic. He has let down them and the supporters of his proud footballing nation, Uruguay, most of all.”
Ben Rumsby of the The Telegraph outlined Suarez’s record-breaking fine, and how Liverpool may potentially deal with the matter:
“The heaviest punishment ever handed out to a player at a World Cup – which included a £66,000 fine – also forced Uruguay to evict him from their team hotel in Brazil and he was on Thursday night travelling back to Montevideo to contemplate his fate.
“The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) quickly announced its intention to appeal the “excessive” punishment but Suárez returning home was tantamount to an admission that his World Cup was over.”
Owen Gibson of The Guardian described how the Uruguayan FA are inexcusably defensive of the decision:
“Although Uruguay will appeal the decision, it will not stop Suárez being banned from Saturday’s match because under article 124 of the Fifa disciplinary code it does not have a “suspensive effect”. Before Fifa announced their judgment, the Uruguayan FA and even the country’s president had weighed into the issue in support of Suárez.
“They claimed that Suárez was the target of a conspiracy among the Italians, the English media and the Brazilian hosts to make more of the incident than it warranted.”
The Daily Mail ‘s Pete Jenson believes Suarez’s antics won’t act as too much of a deterrent to Barcelona, who have been hotly tipped to make a bid for the 27-year-old, but rivals Real Madrid have someone else lined up:
“Barcelona remain interested. Suarez is being touted as the new Hristo Stoichkov, who was prone to moments of madness but formed a vital part of the team that won their first European Cup in 1992.”
The controversial Uruguayan has been banned for four months from all football by FIFA, following his inexcusable bite on Giorgio Chiellini on Tuesday. We round up some of the best reaction from the British media since the news broke on Thursday.
The Times have revealed Liverpool’s unhappiness at the situation, with them reporting that the club may well take legal action against FIFA for not allowing Suarez to represent the Reds for the next four months.
BBC Sport‘s Phil McNulty described how Suarez’s behaviour has affected not only his own image, but also Uruguay’s:
“In taking Suarez out of the World Cup, Fifa has wiped away the biggest stain on events here in Brazil. Uruguay – in a state of lockdown and denial that did them a disservice – are instantly in reduced circumstances ahead of their meeting with Colombia at the Maracana on Saturday.
“The fact that it was done in front of a global audience and was headline news in the United States, as well as on every sports and news programme in Brazil, only emphasises the damage he has done to his, Uruguay’s and the game’s reputation.”
Oliver Holt of the Daily Mirror had sympathy for Liverpool and their fans, believing the club’s star man has let them down yet again:
“The four-month ban from all football is desperately harsh on Liverpool, particularly as the player appeared to have become a reformed character in their colours. It is a brutal blow to the club’s hopes of improving on the wonderful season they have just had.
“Let’s not forget Liverpool supporters, either. They have been unswervingly loyal to Suarez and have argued in his defence with great passion and logic. He has let down them and the supporters of his proud footballing nation, Uruguay, most of all.”
Ben Rumsby of the The Telegraph outlined Suarez’s record-breaking fine, and how Liverpool may potentially deal with the matter:
“The heaviest punishment ever handed out to a player at a World Cup – which included a £66,000 fine – also forced Uruguay to evict him from their team hotel in Brazil and he was on Thursday night travelling back to Montevideo to contemplate his fate.
“The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) quickly announced its intention to appeal the “excessive” punishment but Suárez returning home was tantamount to an admission that his World Cup was over.”
Owen Gibson of The Guardian described how the Uruguayan FA are inexcusably defensive of the decision:
“Although Uruguay will appeal the decision, it will not stop Suárez being banned from Saturday’s match because under article 124 of the Fifa disciplinary code it does not have a “suspensive effect”. Before Fifa announced their judgment, the Uruguayan FA and even the country’s president had weighed into the issue in support of Suárez.
“They claimed that Suárez was the target of a conspiracy among the Italians, the English media and the Brazilian hosts to make more of the incident than it warranted.”
The Daily Mail ‘s Pete Jenson believes Suarez’s antics won’t act as too much of a deterrent to Barcelona, who have been hotly tipped to make a bid for the 27-year-old, but rivals Real Madrid have someone else lined up:
“Barcelona remain interested. Suarez is being touted as the new Hristo Stoichkov, who was prone to moments of madness but formed a vital part of the team that won their first European Cup in 1992.”
The group stages of the 2014 World Cup are over and there’s been plenty of talking points for Liverpool players.
Liverpool’s England players have long since departed Brazil, and Luis Suarez joined them on Thursday night when FIFA handed him a lengthly ban.
Mamadou Sakho is Liverpool’s star performer of the World Cup so far, having helped France progress from Group E.
The French take on Nigeria in the second round, having conceded just two goals in the tournament so far.
Although there’s fitness doubts of Sakho’s participation against Nigeria due to a hamstring problem picked up in their 0-0 draw with Ecuador, we’re tipping France to keep a clean sheet against the Africans.
Suarez may have been sent packing, but Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates is still on Liverpool’s books and will most likely start on the substitute’s bench for their second round clash against Colombia.
Colombia are looking good so far in the tournament, playing some great, attacking football. After the turbulent week Uruguay have had, we expect Colombia to easily put them out of their misery:
Simon Mignolet also remains in Brazil, although as yet unused by the Belgians in their Group H campaign.
Probably the least dark of World Cup dark horses, Belgium face the USA in the second round.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA have looked very impressive so far and sparked “soccer” fever in America. It will be a big test of character and we expect Belgium and USA to cancel each other out for most of the evening:
World Cup second round betting tips
bwin World Cup Blogger’s League
We are taking part in the bwin World Cup Blogger’s League, a betting competition between top football sites, to follow our progress head to www.bwinbetting.com.
All of the odds included are sourced from bwin.com and you can find more on bwin’s World Cup offering, including Double/Treble returns, here.
For all the latest odds, tips and offers follow @bwin or visit http://ift.tt/1oTlie5.
The group stages of the 2014 World Cup are over and there’s been plenty of talking points for Liverpool players.
Liverpool’s England players have long since departed Brazil, and Luis Suarez joined them on Thursday night when FIFA handed him a lengthly ban.
Mamadou Sakho is Liverpool’s star performer of the World Cup so far, having helped France progress from Group E.
The French take on Nigeria in the second round, having conceded just two goals in the tournament so far.
Although there’s fitness doubts of Sakho’s participation against Nigeria due to a hamstring problem picked up in their 0-0 draw with Ecuador, we’re tipping France to keep a clean sheet against the Africans.
Suarez may have been sent packing, but Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates is still on Liverpool’s books and will most likely start on the substitute’s bench for their second round clash against Colombia.
Colombia are looking good so far in the tournament, playing some great, attacking football. After the turbulent week Uruguay have had, we expect Colombia to easily put them out of their misery:
Simon Mignolet also remains in Brazil, although as yet unused by the Belgians in their Group H campaign.
Probably the least dark of World Cup dark horses, Belgium face the USA in the second round.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA have looked very impressive so far and sparked “soccer” fever in America. It will be a big test of character and we expect Belgium and USA to cancel each other out for most of the evening:
World Cup second round betting tips
bwin World Cup Blogger’s League
We are taking part in the bwin World Cup Blogger’s League, a betting competition between top football sites, to follow our progress head to www.bwinbetting.com.
All of the odds included are sourced from bwin.com and you can find more on bwin’s World Cup offering, including Double/Treble returns, here.
For all the latest odds, tips and offers follow @bwin or visit http://ift.tt/1oTlie5.
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