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Suarez hit with FA charge, faces January ban

Comment: 0 December 8th, 2011 by: admin

The Football Association has slapped Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with a charge for making a rude gesture at a jeering crowd after the Reds’ defeat at Fulham.

This charge, Suarez’s second from the FA in the span of a few months, could result in a ban that would take the Reds’ talisman out of action for the entire January.

Reports suggest that the striker will be given until next Monday to submit his response to the charge, which follows a previous indictment for allegedly aiming racial slurs at Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.

The striker will be given until next Monday to submit his response to the charge.   Speculations point to him requesting for a second personal hearing following one for his racism case.

For Suarez’s charge for racial abuse, the looming threat is already a significant six-match ban; if this new charge is levelled against the striker, he could face either a hefty fine or an additional three-month suspension.

An FA decision to shove Suarez to the benches would put him out of commission as Liverpool face Manchester City in a two-legged Carling Cup competition this January.  Because of this, the club is reportedly prepared to defend the two charges put against Suarez.

‘The club will take the appropriate time to properly review the documentation sent to us before making any comment,’ said a spokesperson.

As for Suarez, the striker has remained adamant, insisting his innocence of both accusations.  As he explains the supposedly racial words against Evra as merely a difference in interpretation and intent, he states that his gesture towards at Fulham supporters is justifiable.

During the match, the striker was the target or loud, rabid section of the crowd, who continually accused him of diving during the match.  According to Suarez, his gesture was merely a result of him reaching the limits of his patience towards the crowd.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish had previously stated his fervent support towards his striker, even before the charge was officially made.

‘At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a wee bit of protection from some people,’ said Dalglish, referring to the crowd who had chanted ‘cheat’ at Suarez.

The FA also laid out a charge on Liverpool for failing to control their players.  This charge comes from the protests of a number of players after defensive midfielder Jay Spearing was given a controversial red card.

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