Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been hit with an eight-match ban from Premier League action and fined £40,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The FA have been investigating the Uruguay international after The Red Devils’ full back accused him of a racist slur in the 1-1 draw between the sides back in October.
The loss of Suarez will come as a massive blow to the Merseysiders, with the news being confirmed by the game’s governing body.
“A hearing took place from 14-20 December 2011 before an Independent Regulatory Commission of The FA to consider the charge,” an official statement reads.
“The Independent Regulatory Commission announced its decision on 20 December 2011, which is as follows:
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);
3. Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000;
4. the [penalty] is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision.
“Mr Suarez has the right to appeal the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to an Appeal Board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days of the date of the written reasons for the decision.
“The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Suarez decide not to appeal. The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Suarez has an effective right of appeal,” it concluded.
By Gareth McKnight
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