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Suarez findings handed to Liverpool

FLASHPOINT: Patrice Evra (left) with Luis Suarez at Anfield

THE FOOTBALL Association have released the findings of their regulatory commission regarding the case of Liverpool player, Luis Suarez. The 115 page document explains why Suarez was found to be in breach of Rule E3(1) and Rule E3(2) following the complaint of Manchester United player, Patrice Evra.

Information includes the procedures from Evra's initial complaint to the time when Suarez was found guilty and received an 8-game ban and £40,000 fine. It also explains the use of witnesses and professionals who deal with the Spanish language and cultural differences.

Liverpool received the ruling prior to it being made public via The FA website earlier this evening. The club have released a statement saying: “The club can confirm they received the written reasons from the regulatory commission at short notice last night. The player, the club and our legal advisor’s will now take the necessary amount of time to read, digest and properly consider the 115 page judgement and will make no further comment at present.”

As yet, Manchester United or Suarez have not responded.

Although Suarez disputes Evra's record of events, he admits to using the offensive word 'negro' but in a friendly manner following a heated discussion about his earlier tackle on the Frenchman.

Regarding this, The FA stated: "Whether the words or behaviour are abusive or insulting is an objective matter; it does not depend on whether the alleged offender intended his words to be abusive or insulting"

The FA also called into question the reliability of the striker's evidence. They said: “Mr Suarez's evidence was unreliable in relation to matters of critical importance. It was, in part, inconsistent with the contemporaneous evidence, especially the video footage. For example, Mr Suarez said that he pinched Mr Evra's skin in an attempt to defuse the situation. He also said that his use of the word "negro" to address Mr Evra was conciliatory and friendly.

"We rejected that evidence. To describe his own behaviour in that way was unsustainable and simply incredible given that the players were engaged in an acrimonious argument. That this was put forward by Mr Suarez was surprising and seriously undermined the reliability of his evidence on other matters. There were also inconsistencies between his accounts given at different times as to what happened.

“The Charge against Mr Suarez was that he used insulting words which included a reference to Mr Evra's colour. We have found that Charge proved on the evidence and arguments put before us.

"The FA made clear that it did not contend that Mr Suarez acted as he did because he is a racist. Mr Evra said in his evidence that he did not think Mr Suarez is a racist. Mr Suarez said in evidence that he will not use the word “negro” on a football pitch in England in the future, and we believe that is his genuine and firm intention.”

Liverpool and the player have until January 13th 2012 to appeal.

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