Liverpool’s Luis Suarez Bites Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic In 2-2 Draw [Video]
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was caught trying to bite Chelsea defenseman Branislav Ivanovic in a 2-2 draw on Sunday. This is the second incident in which Suarez has been caught biting an opponent on the pitch and he will surely face a long ban that will keep him out for the rest of the season.
In 2010, the Uruguayan star was caught biting Otman Bakkal in a Dutch match and was suspended seven games. The 26-year-old has yet to learn his lesson and was at it again on Sunday in the heat of a match with Chelsea.
Chelsea jumped out to an early lead when Oscar headed in a corner in the 26th minute which held up through the first half. Daniel Sturridge evened the score in the 52nd minute after knocking in a cross to get Liverpool back in the match.
Suarez’s downfall began in the 59th when he was called for a handball in the box that gave Chelsea a penalty kick. Eden Hazard converted with ease as Chelsea regained their lead at 2-1.
Frustration began to set in for Suarez and it all came out inside the 74th minute. Suarez clashed with Ivanovic inside the penalty area and took a bite at his right arm in front of an official.
The referee didn’t see the attack and Ivanovic pleaded with him before play was resumed. Here’s video of Suarez’s bite if you missed it:
Suarez was not kicked out of the match and went on to score the equalizer in stoppage time with a header. His 30th of the season kept Chelsea from walking away with three points though the focus remained on the biting incident.
The English Premier League’s top goal scorer took to Twitter after the match and apologized to both Ivanovic and his fans.
I’m sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologize Ivanovic and all football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I’m so sorry about it!!
— Luis Suarez (@luis16suarez) April 21, 2013
There’s no telling how long Suarez’s ban will be and the league will surely review the video and make a decision within the next few days. The suspension will more than likely be longer than his first seven game ban in 2010 while Liverpool has just four matches left.
Liverpool is currently in seventh place in the Premier League standings while Chelsea is one-point back of Arsenal for fourth-place after the draw on Sunday.
Should Luis Suarez face a long-term ban for his brutal bite? Is the striker’s future with Liverpool now in jeopardy after the incident?
[Image via Creative Commons]
