Luis Suarez is notorious for biting opponents during crucial periods of the match. This time, he decided to go after Giorgio Chiellini.
In a report by Yahoo! Sports, Uruguay was against Italy in the 2014 World Cup on June 22, 2014. Italy only had 10 players after Claudio Marchisio was removed. Giorgio Chiellini, defender of Italy and Suarez were both after the ball at one point when Suarez of Uruguay suddenly placed his head on Chiellini's back. The two players went to the ground and it looked as if Chilleini was in pain as he tried to stay away from Suarez immediately.
Suarez held on to his teeth with his hands and grimaced while Chiellini talked to the referee and pulled down his shirt to show the referee the damage done to his back. Uruguay won over Italy with a final score of 1-0.
According to Chiellini, it was a dive. He said, "It was ridiculous not to send Suarez off. It is clear, clear-cut. Then there was the obvious dive afterwards because he knew very well that he did something that he shouldn't have done."
According to The Telegraph, the disciplinary code of FIFA provides for a maximum ban consisting of 24 matches or two years. Disciplinary action may also be taken retrospectively as soon as video evidence is shown and regardless of whether the violation was seen by the referee.
Cesare Prandelli of Italy said he saw the bite marks. He commented, "I didn't see Suarez biting him but I saw the bite-marks on his shoulder but the referee's assistants were so busy they didn't see anything." He added, "I have watched the incident several times on television. There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism." He urged FIFA to investigate the matter thoroughly.
FIFA officials have yet to confirm if Suarez indeed bit Chiellini. If he did, it would be the third time that he did in a game. In 2010, Suarez, while playing for Ajax, bit Otman Bakkal of PSV. The league banned him for seven games for the violation. In 2013, he was playing for Liverpool when he bit BranislavIvanovic of Chelsea. He was banned for 10 games for the violation. Despite the bans, Suarez garnered Player of the Year of the Professional Footballers' association by scoring a record 31 goals in 33 appearances.
Here are some photos of the incident.
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