Luis Suarez Apologises To Chiellini For Bite

Uruguay footballer Luis Suarez has spoken of his "regret" for biting an Italian defender in a World Cup match last week.

However, the striker - who has been banned from all football for four months - has continued to insist that bit was the "physical result" of a "collision".

The statement on Twitter said: "After several days of being home with my family, I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect about the reality of what occurred during the Italy-Uruguay match on 24 June 2014.

"Independent from the fallout and the contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me.

"For this: I deeply regret what occurred. I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family.

"I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like (it)."

Chiellini responded on Twitter after the apology: "It's all forgotten. I hope Fifa will reduce your suspension."

Suarez's contrition came after Uruguay's president let rip at Fifa.

Jose Mujica called FIFA "a bunch of old sons of b*****s" and described the suspension of Uruguay's national hero as "fascist".

Mr Mujica, who had previously said that Suarez was being punished by Fifa because of his humble background, made his comments at a reception for the Uruguay team after they returned home from the World Cup having lost 2-0 to Colombia in the last 16.

After he made his comments, the president covered his mouth to feign shock at what he had just said, but when asked if he wanted to retract his comments, he responded: "Publish it."

Mr Mujica conceded that Suarez deserved to be punished for the bite - but criticised the severity of the ban.

He said: "They could have punished him, but not given him this fascist ban."

The Uruguay football federation has told Fifa it will appeal against the sanctions , which also include a nine-match international ban and a 100,000 Swiss franc fine (£66,000).

On Saturday, it was revealed that Suarez's defence against a charge of biting an opponent had been that he lost his balance and hit his face on Chiellini's shoulder.

The claim was dismissed by a seven-man Fifa disciplinary committee.