The next step in the Luis Suarez bite saga has come, as the Uruguayan striker has been charged by FIFA for his attack on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Suarez, 27, buried his face in Chiellini’s shoulder, appeared to latch onto Suarez with his teeth during Tuesday’s Group D finale between the two nations, and the defender pulled down the neck of his shirt to reveal what appeared to be bite marks.
Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez did not see the incident and no discipline was issued. Diego Godin scored the decisive goal against 1o-man Italy minutes later.
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FIFA announced that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against Suarez, who had twice previously been suspended for biting an opponent during a career dotted by controversy (Suarez also was charged for a racism scandal).
From the Associated Press:If the panel finds Suarez guilty of assaulting an opponent, FIFA rules call for a ban of at least two matches up to a maximum of 24 months.
FIFA asked the team to present evidence, which can include video recordings, by 5 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) Wednesday.
A decision must be published before Saturday, when Uruguay plays Colombia in a round-of-16 match at Maracana stadium.Chiellini was furious during and after the game, as Rodriguez either did not buy his claims or had no further evidence to discipline Suarez.
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