• Premier League

Luis Suarez charged with violent conduct

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been charged with violent conduct for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Suarez, 26, has already been fined by his club for the incident, but faces a lengthy ban if he is found guilty, with the FA outlining its view that a three-match ban will not suffice.

An FA statement on Monday evening read: "The FA has charged Liverpool forward Luis Suarez with violent conduct. The charge follows an incident with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in yesterday's fixture at Anfield [April 21 2013].

"The incident was not seen by the match officials and has therefore been retrospectively reviewed.

"It is alleged that the conduct of Suarez constitutes violent conduct and it is The FA's contention that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient in these circumstances.

"Suarez has until 6pm BST on Tuesday 23 April to respond to the charge, thereafter an Independent Regulatory Commission will be convened this Wednesday, 24 April."

Suarez's behaviour was branded "inexcusable" by his manager Brendan Rodgers, with the Uruguayan - no stranger to controversy - apologising for his actions before revealing on Twitter that he will donate his club fine to charity.

Suarez was suspended for seven matches by the Dutch FA after biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal on the shoulder while playing for Ajax in a Eredivisie match in November 2010.

The forward never played for Ajax again after that game, as he was sold to Liverpool for £22.8 million at the end of the ban.

However, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has dismissed the idea that Suarez will be sold as a result of Sunday's incident.

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