Liverpool's Luis Suarez given 10-game ban for Branislav Ivanovic bite

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

Suarez pleaded guilty to a Football Association charge of violent conduct on Tuesday but rejected the governing body’s claim that an automatic three-match suspension was “clearly insufficient”.

A three-man independent regulatory commission met on Wednesday to decide the Uruguay international’s fate and upheld the FA’s assertion that further punishment was warranted.

The incident, which occurred in the closing stages of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield – a game in which Suarez rescued a last-gasp point for his side – was not seen by the match officials and was reviewed retrospectively.

“Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today’s Independent Regulatory Commission decision.”
Ian Ayre

Suarez has until midday on Friday, 26 April to appeal the additional seven-match suspension.

Liverpool’s managing director, Ian Ayre, said: “Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today’s Independent Regulatory Commission decision.”