Uruguay are mounting a determined defence of Luis Suarez, claiming there’s an international conspiracy to get him banned.
The striker was caught on camera biting Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder during their World Cup match and photographs of the tooth marks have gone round the world.
FIFA opened an investigation and a verdict on Suarez is expected by tomorrow morning with anything from six games to two years called for.
Uruguay are mounting a determined defence of Luis Suarez, claiming there’s an international conspiracy to get him banned.
The striker was caught on camera biting Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder during their World Cup match and photographs of the tooth marks have gone round the world.
FIFA opened an investigation and a verdict on Suarez is expected by tomorrow morning with anything from six games to two years called for.
“We don’t have any doubts that this has happened because it’s Suarez involved and secondly because Italy have been eliminated,” lawyer Alejandro Balbi told Uruguayan media.
“There’s a lot of pressure from England and Italy. There is a possibility that they ban him, because there are precedents, but we are convinced that it was an absolutely casual play, because if Chiellini can show a scratch on one shoulder, Suarez can show a bruised and an almost closed eye.
“If every player starts showing the injuries he suffers and they open inquiries for them everything will be way too complicated in the future.
“We’re going to use all the arguments possible so that Luis gets out in the best possible way.”
The Uruguayan FA are remarkably claiming the pictures of Chiellini’s shoulder were ‘photoshopped’ to make the bite marks more visible, but it remains to be seen how they will counter the numerous video replays.
They also imply there is an international conspiracy to get Suarez suspended for the rest of the World Cup after Uruguay reached the Last 16.
“You shouldn’t forget that we’re rivals of many and we can be for the hosts in the future. This does not go against what might have happened, but there’s no doubt that Suarez is a stone in the shoe for many.”