Monday, April 22, 2013

Liverpool take a chunk out of Suarez's wages

LUIS SUAREZ has been fined by Liverpool for biting Branislav Ivanovic — but the Reds insist he will not be sold.

The Uruguayan revealed the punishment on Twitter and added he had asked for the money to be donated Hillsborough Family Support Group.
Suarez last night apologised for his “inexcusable behaviour” after the incident in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
And Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said: "Luis issued his apology and then we spoke with him last night and then again this morning.
"We've taken action to fine Luis for his actions. Brendan has spoken to him and I've spoken to him.
"Brendan will be working with him further on his discipline.
"You can see when you speak to him how sorry he is about it and he's certainly shown quite a lot of contrition to us.
Video:

Ian Ayre reacts to Suarez bite scandal

LIVERPOOL'S managing director said the incident would have no bearing on his future at the club
"As part of that, he's also asked we donate the fine to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
"I think he felt like he let a lot of people down yesterday.
"We'll work with Luis — Brendan particularly — on this side of his character in his game.
"Hopefully that puts the matter to rest from our point of view and we'll wait and see if there's any further action from the football authorities."
Despite the incident, Ayre admitted he had no intention of letting Suarez leave the club.
Asked if the forward's future was in doubt, Ayre said: Not at all.
"It affects his future in the sense that we have to work with him on his discipline - but Luis is a very important player to the club.
"He's a very popular player with his team-mates.
"As we keep saying, he signed a new four-year contract last summer and we'd all love to see him here throughout that contract.
"He's a fantastic player, top scorer and everything we'd want in a striker, so there's no change there.
"This is more about getting him back on the right track and it's largely down to Brendan now to work with him on that side of his character."
HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS ... Liverpool's attack would lack bite without Suarez
HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS ... Liverpool's attack would lack bite without Suarez
Meanwhile, the PFA will offer the striker anger management counselling to try and control his temper.
PFA chief Gordon Taylor said the players’ union would step in to help.
Taylor said: “There is no doubting his football ability, that’s why it is so disappointing and embarrassing when he lets himself down.
“We have to work hard on anger management now.
"We have trained counsellors in this field and we will be offering their services to Liverpool and the player to try to improve matters.”
The FA is reviewing the incident and Suarez is likely to be charged later today.
The 26-year-old is up for the PFA Player of the Year gong on Sunday and Taylor insisted his position on the shortlist was not under threat.
Taylor added: “It’s decided on votes and it is a football matter but of course it is embarrassing that it should happen.”
Liverpool’s managing director Ian Ayre cancelled a flight to Australia to deal with the fall-out of the Suarez controversy.
He described Suarez’s behaviour as “not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt” and said he would be dealt with internally.
Liverpool will not slap a ban on the striker but he is likely to be ruled out for the remainder of the season by the FA.
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this.”
The player issued his own apology — unlike after the Patrice Evra racism storm — first on Twitter and then via an official club statement.
He said: “I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea.
“I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to him personally.
“I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for letting them down.”
Later last night, Suarez returned to Twitter to say he had spoken personally to Ivanovic.
He wrote: “I’ve just spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him. Thanks for accepting.”
Referee Kevin Friend did not see the incident but television pictures are conclusive and the FA is almost certain to act.
Just before signing for the Reds, Suarez landed a seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal.
Ivanovic was interviewed by Surrey Police and insisted he did not want to press charges.

SHAME ... Luis Suarez in Liverpool today

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