• Premier League

Suarez accepts charge but fights punishment

ESPN staff
April 23, 2013

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has accepted an FA charge of violent conduct for his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic at the weekend.

However, the forward has denied The FA's claim that the standard punishment of three matches is clearly insufficient for this offence.

The incident occurred in the second half of Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, as Suarez battled for the ball with Ivanovic.

Ivanovic was seen appealing to referee Kevin Friend after his tussle with Suarez, and television replays appeared to show the forward sinking his teeth into the defender's arm.

No action was taken against the Uruguay international at the time, but the FA charged him with violent conduct on Monday.

Suarez subsequently apologised his actions and was fined by his club. He had until 6pm to lodge an appeal and although he accepted the charge, he feels it does not warrant a punishmen longer than three games.

An independent panel will sit on Wednesday to discuss the incident.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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