Liverpool striker fined for biting opponent

LONDON - Luis Suarez found himself in the familiar position of being an outcast on Monday, charged by the Football Association, fined by Liverpool, and rebuked by the government for biting an opponent a day earlier.

In a Premier League match broadcast globally on Sunday, Suarez bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic’s arm. Although he escaped punishment during the game, Suarez now faces a lengthy ban.

“The incident was not seen by the match officials and has therefore been retrospectively reviewed,” the FA said in a statement. “It is alleged that the conduct of Suarez constitutes violent conduct, and it is the FA’s contention that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient in these circumstances.”

Suarez, who was also suspended for seven matches in 2010 while playing for Ajax after biting a player, said he has been fined by Liverpool for his “unacceptable behavior.”

The sum was undisclosed, but clubs can only fine players two weeks’ worth of wages without seeking permission from the Professional Footballers’ Association.

On his Twitter and Facebook accounts, Suarez asked for the fine to be donated to families affected by the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster, which killed 96 Liverpool supporters. He said it was “for the inconvenience I have created to the Liverpool fans and to Ivanovic.”