The Uruguayan Football Association are standing strong beside star striker Luis Suarez following the biting incident that marred his nation’s 1-0 victory against Italy.
In the 79th minute, while Italy and Uruguay were locked at nil all, both hunting for the goal that would secure progression to the Round of 16, Suarez became caught in a tussle with Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, during which he appeared (quite clearly) to bite the Juventus defender on the shoulder.
The wash up of the incident sparked a review from FIFA’s disciplinary committee, and Suarez is now facing a potential 24-match ban if found guilty.
With sponsors entering crisis mode, sweating on whether to stand by Suarez, the ones to come to his defence were those at the Uruguayan FA.
Alejandro Balbi, the lawyer in charge of Suarez’s defence provided a statement to the media clearly indicating the position of innocence they would be taking.
“If every player starts showing the injuries he suffers and they open inquiries for them everything will be way too complicated in the future.
“We’re going to use all the arguments possible so that Luis gets out in the best possible way.
“You shouldn’t forget that we’re rivals of many and we can be for the hosts in the future.
“This does not go against what might have happened, but there’s no doubt that Suarez is a stone in the shoe for many.”
Uruguayan media outlet Tenfield also came to the defence of Suarez, insinuating that the incident only became an issue following incessant questioning from the media post-match.
In a report of the incident they even go as far as to draw defensive inspiration from the 1966 World Cup final during which the English were awarded a controversial goal that led to Geoff Hurst securing the only ever hat-trick in a World Cup final.
“In the TV replay, as viewed in the press area, it appears that Luis’s face comes in contact with Chiellini without it being clear whether he bites him as was claimed by those – especially the English – who were keen to play down Uruguay’s victory.
“In our view the TV picture is not clear as to whether or not Suarez bites the shoulder of the Italian defender. Note how Suarez stumbles after jumping for the ball and how his face hits the shoulder of the Italian player.
“British reporters, in the press conference, asked Oscar Tabarez three times about the incident, saying that: ‘Suarez bit Chiellini.’ Their intention was FIFA should expel Luis. It would be good if these Englishmen remember how they won the World Cup in 1966 with a ball which was not a goal.”
FIFA have the authority to ban Suarez for up to two years, but there is no precedent to draw upon from which a player has been banned from domestic and international football.
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