Luis Suarez has been given a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic’s arm.
The Liverpool striker already pleaded guilty to the Football Association’s charge of violent conduct but rejected their initial suggestion that the standard three-match ban was insufficient.
However, a three-man independent regulatory commission met on Wednesday and came to a decision that the FA’s assertion for a bigger punishment was the right thing to do.
The match, played at Anfield and resulted in a 2-2 draw after Suarez scored an injury time goal, went on as usual since the match officials failed to see the incident. As a result, it was reviewed retrospectively.
The suspension begins immediately, meaning the Uruguayan is out for the rest of the season. He has until April 26 to appeal to overturn the additional seven-match suspension.
Liverpool’s managing director Ian Ayre said: “Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today’s Independent Regulatory Commission decision.
“We await the written reasons tomorrow [Thursday] before making any further comment.”
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