Liverpool striker banned for ten games after moment so shocking the Prime Minister intervened
Today marks nine years since Luis Suarez bit Branislav Ivanovic against Chelsea and was banned for ten games. On a chaotic day for the Uruguayan, Liverpool won a corner in the 69th minute and Suarez tangled with Ivanovic before sinking his teeth into the defender’s right arm.
Referee Kevin Friend didn’t see the clash but the FA investigated and subsequently banned the forward for ten games. This was a further stain on Suarez’s chastening reputation and followed a similar ban of seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal’s shoulder while playing for Ajax in 2010. The striker was condemned around the footballing world and apologised.
In an initial statement, he said: “I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea. I apologise to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool for letting them down.”
After speaking to Ivanovic, he tweeted a further apology later in the evening. He said: “I am sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologize to Ivanovic and all the football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I am so sorry about it.”
The game saw Liverpool draw 2-2 with Chelsea at Anfield. After Suarez had given away a penalty that Eden Hazard scored to put the visitors 2-1 up, the bite came as his frustrations got the better of him. The drama continued as he headed in an equaliser in the 97th minute.
Oscar had put Chelsea in front in the first half before Daniel Sturridge equalised for the Reds ahead of the thrilling ending to the game. The FA announced a 10-game ban for Suarez three days later.
Then Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was heavily critical of Suarez after the match. He said: “Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this. This is a club with incredible values and ethics – there’s certainly no one bigger than this club. As football managers, staff and players, we’re representing this club both off the field, and in particular on the field.”
During the altercation Ivanovic and Suarez tussled together and the latter sunk his teeth into the Chelsea defender’s right arm. Friend missed the incident but then talked to both and Ivanovic showed the referee the bite marks on his arm. Suarez defended himself to Friend with an accusatory point at the Serbian who was remarkably calm after what had happened and walked off to his position. Following the contest Petr Cech recounted how Ivanovic didn’t immediately mention what had gone on.
