LONDON – Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was banned for 10 matches by the English Football Association for biting an opponent during a Premier League match.
Unless he wins an appeal, that rules him out for the rest of the season. Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre says Suarez and the club were "shocked and disappointed" at the punishment.
The FA says in a statement Wednesday that a three-man independent panel ruled that the regular suspension of three games for violent conduct was "clearly insufficient."
Suarez bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the upper right arm during the 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday. He wasn't sent off because the referee didn't see it.
Suarez has until Friday to appeal the seven games added to his sanction.
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