Suarez.

[ScouseFox]

hahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha

[Jimmy]

he'll appeal , then go to CAS if that's rejected they have no evidence its Evra's word against Suarez so they can't possibly of proved he did it they just want to be seen to do something, had the Terry incident not happened this would of been dismissed. I very much doubt he'll pay a penny or miss a game

[accessory]

Once Evra went on French TV and made this an international incident the FA's hands were tied, They had to launch a thorough investigation and the independent panel hearing the case clearly found enough evidence to find Suarez guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

That panel will give written details of its findings in the next few days, They will make interesting reading.

Suarez's past history of midemeanours - including handballs, dives, kung-fu kicks and bites - would not have counted in his favour. And given the past history of his club, I doubt they'll get too much sympathy if they look to international courts (as being rumoured) to clear his name.

PS If the police/Crown Prosecution Service decide John Terry has a criminal case to answer, and he ends up with a conviction, his career would surely be over before the FA took any action of its own.

[Brown Fox]

Obviously if he actually said a racist term then he should be rightly punished and fined a very heavy amount. Though all it is in this case, is one word against another and there is not much substantial proof so I don't know how they can actually prosecute him. I can completely see where the Liverpool fans are coming from especially with the fact Evra himself has thrown accusations about racial abuse left, right and centre which have proved unfounded. Though the case with Terry is different matter. You can clearly make out what he says to the point where TV channels like Sky Sports and BBC etc. don't even show the footage as it's so obvious, whereas with Suarez you can hardly make out a thing and they repeatedly show the footage. If Terry gets anything less than 8 games out and a hefty fine, it is an absolute disgrace to the name of football.

[accessory]

Obviously if he actually said a racist term then he should be rightly punished and fined a very heavy amount. Though all it is in this case, is one word against another and there is not much substantial proof so I don't know how they can actually prosecute him.

Were you in the room where the panel met? They are experienced legal people and wouldn't have found against Suarez unless they had good reason.

I can completely see where the Liverpool fans are coming from especially with the fact Evra himself has thrown accusations about racial abuse left, right and centre which have proved unfounded.

No he hasn't. He's been involved in previous cases where third parties have made allegations which were investigated and found not proven. That's not the same thing at all.

Though the case with Terry is different matter. You can clearly make out what he says to the point where TV channels like Sky Sports and BBC etc. don't even show the footage as it's so obvious, whereas with Suarez you can hardly make out a thing and they repeatedly show the footage. If Terry gets anything less than 8 games out and a hefty fine, it is an absolute disgrace to the name of football.

The media have to tread carefully on the John Terry case to avoid prejudice of potential criminal proceedings which would take precedence over any FA hearing. Terry can only be sentenced if he's found guilty, which hasn't yet happened (and indeed may never do so).

[Dan]

8 games for making a provoked reference to skin colour.

3 games for attempting to snap someone's leg in half.

Not that I disagree with his ban, but it's relatively pretty harsh.

[Uncle Albert]

Interesting read..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16262537.stm

Suarez still can't speak English, yet Evra can and he referred to Suarez's ethnicity but nothing was said, Evra also claimed Andre Marriner only booked him because he was black, nothing said.

I also agree with the person above who said this has only gone as far as its gone because Evra went on French television and made these claims, why didn't he report it to any of the four officials during the game or straight after? And yet in a penalty box full of 18-19 men and 10 of them being Man United players and a few of them Spanish speaking players, not one other player heard Suarez make antagonising remarks? That's not to say Suarez didn't say something about his ethnicity but for 18-19 other men not hear the word 'negritos' 10 times according to Evra is a little strange, no?

I do think Liverpool and Suarez will appeal and can see it dropping to a 5 game ban, maybe deserved, maybe not.

[Guest ttfn]

Interesting read..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16262537.stm

Suarez still can't speak English, yet Evra can and he referred to Suarez's ethnicity but nothing was said, Evra also claimed Andre Marriner only booked him because he was black, nothing said.

I also agree with the person above who said this has only gone as far as its gone because Evra went on French television and made these claims, why didn't he report it to any of the four officials during the game or straight after? And yet in a penalty box full of 18-19 men and 10 of them being Man United players and a few of them Spanish speaking players, not one other player heard Suarez make antagonising remarks? That's not to say Suarez didn't say something about his ethnicity but for 18-19 other men not hear the word 'negritos' 10 timesaccording to Evra is a little strange, no?

I do think Liverpool and Suarez will appeal and can see it dropping to a 5 game ban, maybe deserved, maybe not.

Classic Liverpool supporters victim culture out in force as ever.

In the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, there's always a conspiracy.

[breadandcheese]

Interesting read..

http://news.bbc.co.u...ll/16262537.stm

Suarez still can't speak English, yet Evra can and he referred to Suarez's ethnicity but nothing was said, Evra also claimed Andre Marriner only booked him because he was black, nothing said.

I also agree with the person above who said this has only gone as far as its gone because Evra went on French television and made these claims, why didn't he report it to any of the four officials during the game or straight after? And yet in a penalty box full of 18-19 men and 10 of them being Man United players and a few of them Spanish speaking players, not one other player heard Suarez make antagonising remarks? That's not to say Suarez didn't say something about his ethnicity but for 18-19 other men not hear the word 'negritos' 10 times according to Evra is a little strange, no?

I do think Liverpool and Suarez will appeal and can see it dropping to a 5 game ban, maybe deserved, maybe not.

Suarez admitted calling Evra a Negro to the tribunal, so I don't understand the Liverpool statement saying it's Evra's word against Suarez's. The tribunal would not have punished Suarez without firm evidence (just as they didn't when Evra made the claim he'd been racially abused by Chelsea groundstaff).

The whole defence from Suarez was based on a misunderstanding of cultures, how it is acceptable in Uruguay to call a black person a Negro, depending on the context. I don't really think that's a legitimate defence. We don't think it's acceptable in this country, end of.

[Darkon84]

Suarez admitted calling Evra a Negro to the tribunal, so I don't understand the Liverpool statement saying it's Evra's word against Suarez's. The tribunal would not have punished Suarez without firm evidence (just as they didn't when Evra made the claim he'd been racially abused by Chelsea groundstaff).

The whole defence from Suarez was based on a misunderstanding of cultures, how it is acceptable in Uruguay to call a black person a Negro, depending on the context. I don't really think that's a legitimate defence. We don't think it's acceptable in this country, end of.

Exactly....If Suarez has admitted it, then Liverpool have no grounds to moan and bitch like they always do.

In South America, you see and hear alot about teams fighting, riots breaking out and referees getting attacked. Does that mean its alright to copy it over here?...Ummm no. It was a weak defence and the only thing they could come up with.

Even in the Liverpool statement it says about how much anti-racist work they have done etc and how much the club is affiliated with schemes regarding integration and racism. If that is the case, then surely Suarez would know what type of club he is at and so, would know to act accordingly.

At least theyve got a prolific, reasonably priced striker in Andy Carroll to fill in for him.

[MrSpaM]

Whilst i agree that players should be punished for stuff like this, an 8 game ban seems to be way over the top. Like other people have said, you can get away with breaking somebodys jaw or leg during a game without even getting a yellow card, but making one racist remark gets you an 8 game ban and a £40,000 fine?!? I'm not defending being a racist here, but surely this means that players causing injury should also be investigated after games as well if they dont recieve punishment during the match, just to see if they meant it or not?

[Leicester_Loyal]

Whilst i agree that players should be punished for stuff like this, an 8 game ban seems to be way over the top. Like other people have said, you can get away with breaking somebodys jaw or leg during a game without even getting a yellow card, but making one racist remark gets you an 8 game ban and a £40,000 fine?!? I'm not defending being a racist here, but surely this means that players causing injury should also be investigated after games as well if they dont recieve punishment during the match, just to see if they meant it or not?

Accidents happen, if its a 50/50 ball and somebody gets injured, its not the players fault. If its a deliberate stamp, then yes, they should be banned.

But calling somebody a racist name deserves an 8 match ban, it shows its not acceptable in football in this day and age.

[MrSpaM]

Accidents happen, if its a 50/50 ball and somebody gets injured, its not the players fault. If its a deliberate stamp, then yes, they should be banned.

But calling somebody a racist name deserves an 8 match ban, it shows its not acceptable in football in this day and age.

Well like i said i'm not defending racism or anything, i just think i've seen much worse on a football pitch with very little consequence afterwards.

[Leicester_Loyal]

Hopefully this is now a sign of things to come, actual bans that will effect the clubs rather than a £5k fine

[Darkon84]

Well like i said i'm not defending racism or anything, i just think i've seen much worse on a football pitch with very little consequence afterwards.

I would imagine the ban will be reduced by a game or two after an appeal. The length of the ban is somewhat of a statement to others, and also probably the FA's way of giving Sepp Blatter a big V sign, saying...'look, this is how you deal with racism, not by laughing it off and just shaking hands'.

I just hope that if found guilty, John Terry gets something similar and it will fiiiiiiiiiiiinally end his England career.

[The Doctor]

Don't condone racism but why has it taken over 2 months for 3 idiots to come to their conclusion?

If they had 'evidence' then why couldn't they have got their decision as soon as they received it, load of shit.

The FA have banned Suarez for 8 games, done nothing about Terry but leave it in the Polices hands and appealed for that fat twat Man Utd player Wayne Rooney for his wild kicking out because he was under stress because his Dad had been arrested? Jesus Christ they are pricks.

Well it's not as simple as get evidence > make decision in a couple of hours, they've got more to do that settle squabbles between two massive *****.

If Suarez has admitted it then Liverpool can't be such a bitchy little twats, the FA are right to punish him.

As for Terry, it's under police investigation - until they finish the FA can't do a thing, & Rooney - it's a farce but the FA are just appealing to have a key-player available to play in the Euro's. I don't agree with it, I don't think they should have even appealed but if FIFA/UEFA are going to be so weak, why not test their hand?

[Daggers]

Suarez admitted calling Evra a Negro to the tribunal

No he didn't. He admitted using the castellano term 'negrito' which is entirely different.

For those of us who have lived in South America this was all too predictable. The British have such an insular, closed mindset which fails to appreciate that other parts of the world have a different way of thinking.

Suarez has been found guilty of a thought crime based on the flimsiest of evidence. I have little time for whinging Scousers and no time at all for racists - but this result does no favours to anyone.

[Uncle Albert]

I just hope that if found guilty, John Terry gets something similar and it will fiiiiiiiiiiiinally end his England career.

Why would you want his England career ending? Very silly.

[breadandcheese]

No he didn't. He admitted using the castellano term 'negrito' which is entirely different.

For those of us who have lived in South America this was all too predictable. The British have such an insular, closed mindset which fails to appreciate that other parts of the world have a different way of thinking.

Suarez has been found guilty of a thought crime based on the flimsiest of evidence. I have little time for whinging Scousers and no time at all for racists - but this result does no favours to anyone.

It appears too that the Patrice Evra has a closed mindset when it comes to different cultures having a different way of thinking. He was the one who the phrase was directed to and he found it racially insulting language. If the remark was made to a Uruguayan who deems it acceptable then Suarez might have an argument (although I'd still find the language inappropriate).

It also appears Paul Elliot and many other black people associated with football also have a problem with the language Suarez used as they've come out and said Suarez is right to be found guilty. Now Suarez's remark does not resonate with me (as a white man), however, when numerous other black people associated with the game find the remark racist and support the decision to find Suarez guilty, then I'm willing to say it is not a closed mindset that is the problem, but the use of racist language.

Do I believe Suarez is racist? On balance, no, as the amount of support he's got from Uruguay indicates that it is probably a misunderstanding as to what is acceptable and what is not. Does that mean he shouldn't be found guilty of using racially abusive language? No. If anyone of us was to use the Uruguayan term, it would be offensive and here in our society, we deem it so (which I believe is right).

So it's good an example is made as the message is sent out that it's not acceptable to use that sort of language on the pitch, whether you're from a different culture, or in the heat of the moment.

Suarez should apologise, accept it, explain his mistake and move on.

[James.]

Why would you want his England career ending? Very silly.

Because he's a massive overrated cvnt.

[Uncle Albert]

Because he's a massive overrated cvnt.

Ah right, my mistake.

[Darkon84]

Why would you want his England career ending? Very silly.

Because he is overrated and we have to move on from the 'old guard' at some point. It should be now.

Put anyone that can run faster than a dead mackrel against him and he is screwed.

[Daggers]

It appears too that the Patrice Evra has a closed mindset when it comes to different cultures having a different way of thinking. He was the one who the phrase was directed to and he found it racially insulting language.

Some children in playgrounds do like to make a lot of noise about perceived injustices - it doesn't make the alleged aggressors guilty though.

If the remark was made to a Uruguayan who deems it acceptable then Suarez might have an argument (although I'd still find the language inappropriate).

It's not a Uruguayan thing, you will find that the word negrito is in common usage throughout the Spanish-speaking countries. Of course people here find it odd when they've grown up in this culture - they say travel broadens the mind and I strongly recommend people go live in South America. The word is not offensive in the slightest in South America.

It also appears Paul Elliot and many other black person associated with football also have a problem with the language Suarez used as they've come out and said Suarez is right to be found guilty.

I'm sure a vast number of culturally illiterate, insular and poorly educated players who neither heard the comment or understand its true translation will have a problem with what they've read in the Sun.

I'm willing to say it is not a closed mindset that is the problem, but the use of racist language.

As above, the language is not racist. It was a word that has been translated in a lazy manner.

If anyone of us was to use the Uruguayan term, it would be offensive and here in our society, we deem it so (which I believe is right).

Seeing as the word is Spanish it is highly unlikely that anyone would, I still use many phrases I picked up while living there that would make nuns blush but it doesn't matter because no one understands them. I can only presume you are referring to the English word 'negro' or 'nigger' which have featured in the pisspoor newspaper reports - which is a game change as neither of these words were uttered by Suarez.

Suarez should apologise, accept it, explain his mistake and move on.

And maybe this was all that needed to happen? An acceptance that offence may have been caused, a misunderstanding took place and a promise of it not to happen again rather than this hysterical, knee-jerking, over-reaction-fest that the English do SO well.

[Daggers]

Poyet, manager of Brighton, agreed that Suárez has suffered from cultural differences between England and Uruguay – and stated that in the South American country people were referred to as "blacks" in an affectionate way. He also attacked Evra, saying the French player was "no saint".

Poyet told the Uruguayan newspaper Ultimas Noticias: "The ban is incredible, shocking, disproportionate. I back Luis to death. Things have happened before with Evra. He is not a saint. He is a controversial player.

"I don't know in which world we are going to live from now on. People will accuse each other of anything. Suárez just arrived [in the Premier League] and there are things that he has to learn when you are in another country because they might be normal in your country but perhaps they are not considered that way in other parts of the world.

"I have tried to explain that we live with coloured people in Uruguay. We share different experiences with them. We play football, we share parties. We are born, we grow up and we die with them. We call them 'blacks' in a natural way, even in an affectionate way. That is the way we were brought up. We are integrated and there are no problems from either side.

"I've explained how the Uruguay people and the South Americans experience these situations with coloured people. I've been many years in England and I understand them. I know how to deal with it, but Luis has only recently arrived here."

Uruguay's national director of sports, Ernesto Irureta, called the ban "exaggerated, absurd and out of place", while Uruguay's head coach, Oscar Tabárez, said he would continue to support Suárez. "He has our full support and solidarity because seen from a distance this seems like an excessive punishment."

The Guardian

[breadandcheese]

It's not a Uruguayan thing, you will find that the word negrito is in common usage throughout the Spanish-speaking countries. Of course people here find it odd when they've grown up in this culture - they say travel broadens the mind and I strongly recommend people go live in South America. The word is not offensive in the slightest in South America.

Apparently it's a Manchester United thing as according to Suarez, it was a phrase Man Utd players uttered to Evra and always call him it.

Seeing as the word is Spanish it is highly unlikely that anyone would, I still use many phrases I picked up while living there that would make nuns blush but it doesn't matter because no one understands them. I can only presume you are referring to the English word 'negro' or 'nigger' which have featured in the pisspoor newspaper reports - which is a game change as neither of these words were uttered by Suarez.

To use a phrase as Suarez did to a non-Uruguayan was stupid as the victim of the phrase is not going to understand it and is going to take offence. Perceived injustice is one of the measures of offence for any phrase or action. This is true with any phrase. I agree we shouldn't have an over-reaction here, because it seems it was a misunderstanding, but we shouldn't condone language and be prepared to say not on the pitch. I'm not going to label Suarez racist, but am going to say that he used racist language, using a term to describe a player as black.

It may well be the same with John Terry (pending outcome of police action). The allegation is that he called Anton Ferdinand a black b*stard. In this case black is a descriptive word, much like Suarez used in his jokey Uruguayan style. The fact that a descriptive adjective needs to be used is racist language. Whilst Suarez used it as a noun, it is noun describing a black person. Suarez has admitted this.

I should add that I don't think Evra is a saint and there is a case for the FA to ban him for calling Suarez a South American in a pejorative way.