LUIS SUAREZ was has been banned for an unprecedented EIGHT games after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.

The shock decision triggered a furious reaction from Liverpool.

They immediately released a statement accusing the FA of a stitch-up and vehemently denying their striker is racist.

After a case which lasted a week, an independent FA disciplinary panel handed Suarez one of the biggest punishments in the history of the English game.

But football chiefs have suspended the ban for a maximum of 14 days to allow Suarez time to consider an appeal.
The 24-year-old Uruguay star was also hit with a £40,000 fine.

The Suarez case was always going to be sensitive after similar allegations were levelled against Chelsea and England captain John Terry in a bust-up with QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

The three-man Independent Regulatory Commission, led by Paul Goulding QC, took their time before delivering a verdict and punishment which send a strong message that the game will not tolerate racial prejudice.

Suarez admitted using words referring to the colour of Evra’s skin when the pair clashed at Anfield on October 15 as Kenny Dalglish’s side drew 1-1 with United.

But he claimed that in his home country such language was not regarded as racist and that his body showed he was not using the words in an aggressive way.
The panel clearly rejected that argument and backed Evra’s account.

Suarez said on Twitter: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support. I’ll keep working!”

On their website, his club said: “Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him.

“We look forward to the publication of the Commission’s Judgment. We will study the detailed reasons of the Commission once they become available, but reserve our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation.

“We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken.

“The Club takes extremely seriously the fight against all forms of discrimination and has a long and successful track record in work relating to anti-racist activity and social inclusion.  We remain committed to this ideal and equality for all, irrespective of a person’s background.

LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable – without compromise.

“It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act.  It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.

It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ‘I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’.