PFA welcome Liverpool FC’s move to accept eight-match ban for Suarez

Jan 4 2012 Liverpool Echo

THE Professional Footballers’ Association last night welcomed Liverpool’s decision to accept the eight-match ban imposed on striker Luis Suarez for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said in a statement that Liverpool had acted wisely, and urged the club to make their players fully aware of what is acceptable on the pitch.

Uruguay international Suarez last night began his suspension, missing Liverpool’s match at Manchester City.

The club reviewed a 115-page document from the independent disciplinary commission appointed by the Football Association, and decided not to appeal against the sanction and a £40,000 fine imposed on Suarez.

Liverpool again criticised the way the Football Association handled the investigation into an incident which occurred at Anfield in mid-October.

But Taylor commended the club’s determination to draw the issue to a close and hopes Liverpool can have a key part to play in the PFA’s efforts to drive racism out of football.

Taylor said: “The PFA are pleased that Liverpool FC have chosen not to appeal the decision of the independent FA commission. We think this shows good judgement and is to their credit. We look forward to them playing a role in our campaign against discrimination.”