• Italy 0-1 Uruguay, World Cup Group D

Suarez claims 'these things happen' in biting row

ESPN staff
June 25, 2014
Luis Suarez is facing retrospective action for his alleged bite on Giorgio Chiellini © Getty Images
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Luis Suarez and Uruguay have defended the striker after he was accused of biting Italy's Giorgio Chellini, with the striker saying "these things happen".

Suarez faces fresh controversy after he he was accused of biting defender Chiellini's shoulder during the latter stages of their Group D clash, while the scores were goalless. The referee did not see the incident and took no action.

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Although he did not refer specifically to the clash with Chiellini, Suarez said in a post-match interview with Uruguay's Channel 10: "These are just things that happen out on the pitch. It was just the two of us inside the area and he bumped into me with his shoulder and that's how my eye got like this as well.

"There are things that happen on the pitch and you should not make such a big deal out of them."

Chiellini responded angrily in his post-match comments and called for FIFA to punish the "sneaky" Liverpool player. Italy's manager, Cesare Prandelli - who quit after the game, said he had seen the bite marks on Chiellini's shoulder.

However, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez and captain Diego Lugano spoke out on Suarez's behalf, with the West Brom defender claiming Chiellini's complaining was the biggest problem.

However, FIFA has the ability to retrospectively punish Suarez and has opened disciplinary proceedings with the striker and his country having until Wednesday evening to make their case. If found guilty, Suarez could face a ban of up to two years.

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