Luis Suarez has been found guilty of the racist abuse of Patrice Evra after an FA investigation let by an Independent Regulatory Commission, and as a result the Liverpool striker has been suspended for eight matches and fined £40,000. Suarez, who was accused by Evra of directing abusive language in his direction more or less continually over the course of Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester United in October, still has the right to appeal, so it would be a surprise if the ban actually ends up being eight games long, but the punishment is still incredibly hefty.
Luis Suarez Banned 8 Matches For Racist Abuse
The FA’s report makes it clear that there was a racist element to the insulting language Suarez employed:
1. Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1);
2. the insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2)
According to statement, any punishment will be suspended until an appeal is heard, and Suarez has fourteen days from the time he receives the written reasons for the verdict in which to launch one. Assuming that Liverpool hold off on appealing for as long as possible, it looks like he'll probably be able to play in Liverpool's next four league fixtures, but it'll be touch and go for their trip to Manchester City on January 3rd.
Further findings, including ‘the findings of fact made by [the report], the reasons for its decision finding the charge proved and the reasons for the penalty’ will be provided by the Independent Regulatory Commission in due course.
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