Luis Suarez could be going home , even if his team, Uruguay, keeps playing in the round of 16. FIFA announced they are launching a probe to investigate the biting of Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, which was caught on camera, even if it happened behind the referee’s back.
If Suarez is indeed out of the World Cup, it could represent a big blow for the South Americans as he is one of the top players on Los Charrúas. The talented 27-year-old forward was the hero in the 2-0 victory over England, which saved Uruguay from certain elimination.
But now, all that is clouded after the Liverpool FC star repeated his strange habit, which has obscured his many accomplishments. When faced with frustration, Luis Suarez resorted to biting Chiellini in the 80th minute as his team fought the tough Italians to earn a spot in the round of 16.
Suarez was clearly frustrated with Chiellini — one of the world’s best defenders — as Uruguay needed a win to move on. Following the bite, Uruguay’s Diego Godin scored the one and only goal of the match to defeat Italy.
This is not the first time Luis Suarez found himself in the midst of controversy surrounding his personal behavior on the football field. The Uruguayan player has been accused of being a racist and biting opponents, not once, but twice before .
Even though the referee was not in position to see Suarez biting Chiellini, the Italian vehemently protested the attack, pulling his shirt away and showing the red mark left by his rival’s teeth. Luckily for FIFA, a television camera captured the action for millions to watch.
Early on Wednesday, FIFA announced the start of an investigation and gave Uruguay until Thursday afternoon to present their case. Suarez did not make any excuses for his behavior or the possibility that he may be kicked out:
“These are things that happen on the pitch, we were both in the area, he thrust his shoulder into me. These things happen on the pitch, and we don’t have to give them so much (importance).”
Suarez had the season of his career and is being compared to the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. He was crowned Premier League Player of the Year and also was the top scorer.
All the controversy surrounding Luis Suarez actions didn’t prevent Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez and his teammates from coming to his defense.
During the presser following the match, Tabarez said:
“I want to say that if he’s attacked, as it has begun in this press conference, we’ll also defend him, because this is a football World Cup, not of cheap morality.”
We will see whether FIFA kicks Luis Suarez out of the World Cup or not, but in the meantime, social media is having a lot of fun at his expense. With memes comparing him to Dracula or Hannibal Lecter, there is something for everyone. Check it out:
[Image via Twitter and Facebook]