Luis Suárez banned for 8 games for racially abusing Patrice Evra

Luis Suárez has been handed an eight-game ban and fined £40,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra during Liverpool’s Premier League game with Manchester United at Anfield in October.

The pair clashed repeatedly in the second half of the 1-1 draw on 15 October, and Evra claimed Suárez racially abused him “at least 10 times” in an interview with French television station Canal Plus after the game.

An independent regulatory commission announced on Tuesday evening that Evra’s allegations had been proven. Suárez, who denied the allegations and was backed by manager Kenny Dalglish throughout, now has 14 days to appeal against the decision.

Following the announcement, Suárez tweeted: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family. Thanks for all the support.”

A Football Association statement read: “An independent regulatory commission has today found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suárez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000, pending appeal.

“Mr Suárez has the right to appeal the decision of the independent regulatory commission to an appeal board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days of the date of the written reasons for the decision.

“The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Suárez decide not to appeal. The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Suárez has an effective right of appeal.”

A Liverpool statement released shortly after the announcement: “We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone.

“No-one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two Suarez handed eight-match FA banplayers in a crowded Kop goalmouth.”