Racist Suarez receives 8 match ban but will it work?
The FA’s Independent Regulatory Commission announced on Tuesday that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez had been found guilty of racism towards Manchester United defender Patricce Evra.
As always the player shall have a right to appeal and depending on the amount of evidence the IRC have, could see the ban reduced. Whether it’s “ok” in Suarez’s country or not, racism is not something to be tolerated in England, although it will always exist The FA appear to have grown some balls in this matter and have looked to have made a statement by hitting the Uruguayan with an 8 match ban plus fine of £40k.
The club will obviously choose to support the player, whether this is good or bad for Liverpool is debatable but The FA do not hand out punishments like this unless their is overwhelming evidence. Will Liverpool be digging a deeper hole by backing a racist? Or will they decide themselves that the evidence speaks loudly enough for them to try and get the player removed?
Suarez has always had his bad points but it appears this time he has been caught. The ban will not make Chelsea defender John Terry too sure of any punishment that could be handed out to him. If Terry is also found guilty, the The FA, like they have with Suarez, will have to issue the same 8 match ban once again. The investigation into John Terry continues.
Regarding Luis Suarez, a statement from the FA read:
An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Tuesday 20 December 2011] found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000, pending appeal.
The Independent Regulatory Commission announced its decision on 20 December 2011, which is as follows:
Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1);
the insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2);
Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000;
the [penalty] is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision.
The Independent Regulatory Commission will provide written reasons for its decision in due course setting out:
(a) the findings of fact made by it;
(b) the reasons for its decision finding the charge proved; and
(c) the reasons for the penalty.
Mr Suarez 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.
Whether this acts as a deterrent for the future remains to be seen and shall be watched carefully by all involved.
