Liverpool’s Luis Suárez upset by racism controversy

Luis Suárez has revealed his dismay at being handed an eight-game ban by the Football Association for racially abusing Patrice Evra after Liverpool announced they would not be appealing the ruling.

The 24-year-old was hit with the suspension and £40,000 fine after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of making racist comments at left-back Evra during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United in October.

Despite Liverpool maintaining Suárez was innocent of the charge, the club confirmed they would not contest the ban.

And Suárez, whose suspension begins immediately, admitted in a statement that he was upset by comments made about him over the past few weeks.

“Let me be absolutely clear: I’ve never ever had a single racial problem with any team-mate, player, or person with a skin color or race different from my own. Never,” Suarez said.

“As a result, I am very upset about what has been said about me in recent weeks, all of which have been very far from the truth. This is further compounded by the helplessness I feel for not having done anything yet being accused of something I did not nor would ever do.

“In my country, the Spanish word for “black” is a term commonly used and does not symbolise any disrespect, let alone racism. Everything that has been said beyond that is completely and utterly false.

“I will comply with the sanction, but with the acquiescence of someone who has not done anything and who feels extremely upset about what has transpired. I’m sorry for the fans and for the teammates who I will not be able to assist in this coming month.

“This will be very difficult for me. My only wish is to get back to the stadium and do what I like most again, that is, to play football.”