If There Is No Apology, Luis Suarez Would Be Better off Saying Nothing

Details of Luis Suarez’s statement to FIFA with regard to his bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini have emerged, and they make grim reading for the Uruguayan.

The Liverpool forward has been hit with a four-month worldwide football ban, along with a nine-game international suspension, after being found guilty of biting Chiellini during Uruguay’s win over Italy.

Suarez, along with the Uruguayan FA, has protested innocence, while the country's president, Jose Mujica, claimed he did not see any bite.

The Uruguayan FA has spoken about lodging an appeal, reported Ed Malyon and Joe Mewis of the Mirror, but that has not yet been confirmed.

Looking at the statement for Suarez’s defence, an appeal may not be the wisest move.

"

That Suarez defence: pic.twitter.com/7HTa23YKMN (via @piersmorgan)

— Owen Gibson (@owen_g) June 28, 2014"

There were a range of feelings that immediately came to mind when reading Suarez’s statement, disbelief being one. Disbelief that Suarez could feel such a statement would further his case; disbelief that there is no apology.

Matilde Campodonico/Associated Press

Having seen countless replays, you just cannot see anything to back up the claim that Suarez “lost balance and ended up falling on the opponent.”

Suarez ran from a deep position to get into the box, in the expectation that a ball would be played into his path, before tangling with Chiellini and ultimately sinking his teeth into the Italy defender. The bite took place before the two players tumbled to the floor.

Suarez is back at home in Uruguay and has taken to Twitter to thank the fans for the support he has received.

"

Now @luis16suarez issues statement thanking the public for the "outpouring of support and love I am receiving" http://t.co/XN12DzFKOu

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 28, 2014"

What he has received on Twitter is boatload of sarcasm.

"

Hoped for a better excuse from Suarez. Something like: "I didn't bite Chiellini. It was the janitor, cunningly disguised in a Suarez mask."

— Dan Levene (@BluesChronicle) June 28, 2014"

"

A parody account wouldn't have come up with something more ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/6Z5MYqy4sb

— Darren Richman (@darrenrichman) June 28, 2014"

If you have nothing sensible to say, don’t say anything at all. These are words Suarez would be well-advised to take note of.

The focus is now on whether Suarez lodges an appeal against his international suspension and worldwide ban.

Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press

FIFA deserved praise for its swift action in the first instance. Eyes will be fixed on the governing body to see how it responds to any appeal.

At the very least, they would have to uphold the original ruling. In light of Suarez’s statement, they would be justified to extend the suspension.

The Football Association in the UK has the power to increase punishments when it feels a frivolous appeal has been adopted.

Unless Suarez has some piece of evidence that he has not yet produced for his defence, this would be a clear case of a frivolous appeal.

As stated earlier, if you have nothing sensible to say, don’t say anything at all.