Luis Suarez Bite: Striker Banned For 10 Games

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has received a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a game.

The player's club immediately released a statement saying it was "shocked and disappointed at the severity" of the Football Association 's punishment, decided by an independent regulatory commission.

An FA statement said: "A three-person independent regulatory commission today upheld the FA's claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three.

"The suspension begins with immediate effect."

Suarez has until midday on Friday to appeal the additional suspension.

Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre said: "Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today's Independent Regulatory Commission decision.

"We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment."

Suarez had issued statements apologising to Ivanovic in the wake of his side's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield. The incident was missed by referee Kevin Friend but could be seen clearly on television replays.

The 26-year-old Uruguayan was banned for seven matches in 2010 for biting PSV Eindhoven player Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax in the Dutch league.

He was also suspended for eight games in December 2011 for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a match.

Suarez has been repeatedly accused of diving to win penalties and free kicks, and was criticised after scoring a goal despite a blatant handball in an FA Cup tie this season against minor league Mansfield Town.

His reputation was first damaged when he was sent off for a deliberate handball to prevent Ghana from scoring a late goal in a World Cup quarter-final match in 2010.

He was then seen celebrating on the sideline when Ghana missed the spot kick and Uruguay advanced in a shootout.

There is no standard minimum or maximum punishment for biting in football's disciplinary code, unlike rugby union which has a 12-week recommended suspension for first offences and up to a four-year ban for the most serious incidents.

Liverpool moved quickly to deal with the latest crisis surrounding their star striker and imposed a club fine which is being donated to the Hillsborough families' support group .

Despite the biting incident Suarez remains among the favourites for the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award, to be announced on Sunday.

Many commentators have suggested the player, who is Liverpool's top scorer with 23 league goals this season, will leave English football in the summer following his latest controversy.

Liverpool are facing their fourth season outside the Champions League and Suarez recently said: "I am very happy at Liverpool but you never know in football.

"A player's ambition is always there, the ambition of wanting to play in elite teams is always there.

"If another team comes around with more prospects of competing in international club competition games, which is willing to have me, they are welcome."