FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings over ‘bite’

Uruguay's Luis Suarez (left) is in trouble again with his latest 'bite' episode. Here he reacts after appearing to bite Italy's Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder. Photo: AFP

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Uruguay striker Luis Suarez after he appeared to bite Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.

“FIFA can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the player Luis Suárez of Uruguay,” the body said in a statement. Suarez could face a ban of up to 24 matches if found guilty.

The incident occurred during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Italy, a result that knocked the 2006 champion out of the World Cup. With the score at 0-0, Suarez leaned into Chiellini before appearing to bite his opponent’s shoulder. Suarez was not punished by the referee but FIFA said the proceedings related to any “infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention”.

Earlier in the day, senior FIFA official Michel D’Hooge told the

BBC that “biting is not compatible with normal football practice.” Jim Boyce, FIFA’s vice-president and head of the body’s referees committee, also took a dim view of the incident. “I have watched the incident several times on television. There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism,” said Boyce. “FIFA must investigate the incident seriously and take whatever disciplinary action deemed necessary.”

Suarez defended himself on Uruguayan television after the match. “These situations happen on the pitch. We were both just inside the area; he struck me in the chest with his shoulder and he hit me in the eye as well,” he said.

“These are things that happen on the pitch and you shouldn’t attach so much importance to them. I’m very happy to have qualified. We are taking each game as it comes. We know that we’re in a difficult situation; we’re at our limits now.”

Some sources in Uruguay believe he has been targeted unfairly. The website of the Uruguayan TV station Tenfield questioned whether the pressure on Suarez was brought about by the British media. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2014