Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has received a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a game.

The FA’s decision was immediately criticised by the player’s club, which released a statement saying it was “shocked and disappointed at the severity” of the punishment.

The sanction was imposed by an independent regulatory commission on a charge of violent conduct against the Liverpool striker.

An FA statement said: “A three-person independent regulatory commission today upheld the FA’s claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three. The suspension begins with immediate effect.”

Suarez has until midday on Friday to appeal the additional suspension.

Liverpool FC statement for Suarez ban

Suarez took swift action on Sunday to make an unreserved apology for his behaviour and accepted the charge of violent conduct from the FA.

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

“We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment.”

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