Luis Suarez issues apology for biting Branislav Ivanovic

Luis Suarez was charged by the FA; he could be banned for a number of matches.

09:32 23 April 2013

Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez, who has bitten Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, have issued an apology for his “inexcusable behavior.” Suarez took to Twitter and wrote: "I've spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him. Thanks for accepting."

However, his apology isn’t enough. He was charged with violent conduct by the FA after the incident. He could be banned for a number of matches if the FA rules that the bite constitutes violent conduct.

A spokesman for the FA said: "It is our contention that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient in these circumstances."

This is the second time that Suarez has bitten a rival. In November 2010, he was given a seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal during a game. 

Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Gordon Taylor believes that Suarez will not be excluded from the PFA award. However, he described the incident as “embarrassing.”

He added: "It is very depressing and embarrassing that it should happen. If it wasn't for all the controversies he's been involved in, he would be a more highly regarded player.”