• Premier League

Liverpool accept Suarez ban

Luis Suarez is banned for eight matches © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Suarez apologises, but not to Evra
  
• News: Suarez report not the full story - Dalglish
  
• News: Suarez's mum fears black players will target son
  
• News: Anti-racism group slams Reds' Suarez stance
  
• News: Suarez evidence judged 'unreliable'
  
• News: Suarez slapped with eight-match ban
  
• Profile: Luis Suarez

Liverpool have confirmed they will not appeal against Luis Suarez's eight-match ban.

An independent commission found Suarez guilty of abusing Patrice Evra in Liverpool's game with Manchester United in October and the FA released the findings on New Year's Eve. The striker was suspended for eight matches and fined £40,000.

A statement on the FA's website read: "Liverpool FC have this afternoon [Tuesday 3 January 2012] informed the FA that they will not be appealing the decision of an Independent Regulatory Commission in relation to the recently proven misconduct charge against Luis Suarez.

The club responded angrily to the ban, and suggested they would take every step possible to fight the punishment. But in a lengthy statement, the Reds confirmed they would not lodge an appeal, although they continued to support their player.

"Liverpool Football Club have supported Luis Suarez because we fundamentally do not believe that Luis on that day - or frankly any other - did or would engage in a racist act," said a club statement.

"Notably, his actions on and off the pitch with his team-mates and in the community have demonstrated his belief that all athletes can play together and that the colour of a person's skin is irrelevant.

"Continuing a fight for justice in this particular case beyond today would only obscure the fact that the club wholeheartedly supports the efforts of the Football Association, the Football League and the Premier League to put an end to any form of racism in English football.

"It is time to put the Luis Suarez matter to rest and for all of us, going forward, to work together to stamp out racism in every form both inside and outside the sport. It is for this reason that we will not appeal the eight-game suspension of Luis Suarez."

Suarez released a statement thanking his family, friends and team-mates for their support, and maintained his innocence.

"I will carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong and who feels extremely upset by the events," he said. "I do feel sorry for the fans and for my team-mates whom I will not be able to help during the next month. It will be a very difficult time for me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.