The FA have this afternoon announced Luis Suarez will be banned for 10 games following Sunday’s biting incident with Branislav Ivanovic at Anfield. Suarez had accepted a violent misconduct charge yesterday but had argued against this being extended beyond the standard three matches – an Independent Regulatory Commission met earlier today and has subsequently added a further seven games onto the standard suspension.
The FA have confirmed Suarez has until midday this coming Friday to appeal the additional seven matches, though, while in a statement on the club’s official website, managing director Ian Ayre would only say:
“Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today’s Independent Regulatory Commission decision. We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment.”
Unless he successfully appeals, then, this means Suarez will play no further part in the current domestic campaign and brings a bitter end to a season that has seen him flourish under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. The Uruguayan is second only to Robin Van Persie for goals scored, with 23 strikes to the United forward’s 24 – the Golden Boot now looks safe for Van Persie, with Gareth Bale (18) his nearest challenger now.
While the Dutchman’s game time over the remainder of the season is perhaps in question by some – given that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have the title sewn up – Suarez’s absence for the first six games of next season merely heightens Van Persie’s importance to our Fantasy squads when 2013/14 gets underway. For Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge will now be afforded the chance to lead the line over the final four fixtures this term and the first six games next time round – the Reds’ remaining matches hands them trips to Newcastle and Fulham, in addition to home showdowns with Everton and QPR.
Indeed, the clash with Harry Redknapp’s side makes Sturridge a viable captaincy contender and at just 6.6 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) right now, is a more than budget-friendly alternative for those Fantasy managers shopping around for a Suarez replacement. With a double Gameweek 36 for six other sides, though, plenty will be looking elsewhere as our three man frontlines are quickly restructured for the final sprint over the last few matches.
