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Suarez slapped with eight-match ban

Luis Suarez will miss eight matches for Liverpool © PA Photos

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Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been suspended for eight matches and fined £40,000 by the FA for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The Uruguay international has 14 days to respond, and the punishment will not come into effect until after that period, or following the outcome of any appeal. If Suarez decides not to appeal, the ban starts immediately.

Evra accused Suarez of using racist language during the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 15. Evra said to French television channel Canal+: "There are cameras, and you can see him [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least ten times. No place for that in 2011. The referee is aware of what was said."

Suarez was charged by the FA in November with "using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" towards Evra. Suarez, who denied any wrongdoing and was supported by Liverpool, gave evidence at an FA inquiry last week - as did Evra.

Suarez's defence claimed he was unaware that language acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe. A three-man panel failed to reach a verdict on Friday, and the decision date was pushed back as a result.

The FA said: "Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1); the insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2); 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; The [penalty] is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision."

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