Luis Suarez had to “accept what you’ve done is wrong and apologise” after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
The Uruguayan striker avoided the referee’s gaze during the incident in the 1-0 win over Italy, but was caught on camera and handed a four-month ban, which has now expired.
Luis Suarez had to “accept what you’ve done is wrong and apologise” after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
The Uruguayan striker avoided the referee’s gaze during the incident in the 1-0 win over Italy, but was caught on camera and handed a four-month ban, which has now expired.
“I felt disappointed in myself, for my wife, my children, and particularly for all the Uruguayan people, and when something like that happens, the most important thing is to accept what you’ve done wrong and to apologise,” Suarez told The Guardian.
“When you feel you’ve done something wrong, you should apologise for it.”
This was not the initial attitude coming from the Uruguay camp or even the Government, who staunchly defended Suarez and he even claimed that he had ‘fallen’ on to Chiellini’s shoulder accidentally.
The fact this was the third time in his career that Suarez had been caught biting an opponent during a match made FIFA come down hard with a huge ban.
Now Suarez has taken the time to reflect on why he made the same bizarre mistake three times.
“Everyone has different ways of defending themselves. In my case, the pressure and tension came out in that way. There are other players who react by breaking someone’s leg, or smashing someone’s nose across their face.
“What happened with Chiellini is seen as worse. I understand why biting is seen so badly. It is like an impulse, like a reaction. Almost as if you realise straight away…
“I think all the bad things I have been through are in the past. I believe I am on the right path now, dealing with the people who can help me, the right kind of people.”
Suarez is due to make his competitive Barcelona debut today in the Liga clash with Real Madrid.