Rio De Janeiro: Shamed Uruguayan star Luis Suarez insisted he lost his balance and did not bite Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to a FIFA report on the assault which led to him being expelled from the World Cup.
But the FIFA disciplinary commission which banned 27-year-old Suarez from all football for four months said in a report seen by AFP that he had acted “intentionally and without provocation.”
Suarez’s statement to the commission, which was included in their report, said: “I lost my balance and ended up falling on my opponent (Chiellini)”.
“At that moment, my face hit the player (Chiellini) leaving a small bruise and sharp pain in the teeth.”
He added: “In no case what has been described as a bite or attempting to bite happened.”
Television images of the incident in last Tuesday’s Group D game in which Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 showed clear bite marks in Chiellini’s shoulder. Suarez has served two previous bans for biting.
The FIFA commission on Thursday banned Suarez from any football activity for four months, suspended him for nine international matches and ordered him to pay a 100,000 Swiss francs (Rs 67.40 lakh) fine. The Uruguayan government and football association has reacted with outrage to the sanction.
Suarez on Saturday thanked fans for the support they have shown.
The goalscorer has taken refuge with his family since being expelled from the World Cup. (AFP)