World Cup: Suarez ban too harsh, says victim Chiellini

ROME – The four month football ban ordered against Uruguay striker Luis Suarez for his World Cup bite is too harsh, the victim Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini said Friday.

“I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive,” said Chiellini on his website.

Football governing body FIFA slapped the four month ban from all football activity and a nine game international match suspension, effectively kicking Suarez out of the World Cup.

Suarez bit Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Italy in their World Cup Group D clash on Tuesday.

Chiellini said he felt for Suarez and his family.

“There only remains the anger and the disappointment about the match. At the moment, my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.

“I sincerely hope he will be allowed to stay close to his teammates during the games, because such a ban is really alienating for a player.”

Suarez bid farewell to his team-mates on Thursday as they prepared for Saturday’s last 16 game with Colombia.

It is the third time Suarez has been banned for biting and opponent.

He served a seven-game ban for biting a player in November 2010 when he was with Dutch side Ajax and a 10 game suspension after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013.

The Uruguay federation said they planned to appeal and the player has received widespread support in his homeland. – Rappler.com