1 Jan 2012

English FA says Suarez's words were insulting

9:42 am on 1 January 2012

An English Football Association report says Liverpool striker Luis Suarez gave "unreliable" evidence to a panel investigating accusations he racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The report detailed the reasons for Suarez's eight-match ban, handed out earlier this month for abusing France defender Evra in a Premier League match at Anfield in mid October.

"Mr Suarez's evidence was unreliable in relation to matters of critical importance," the report says adding "Mr Evra was a credible witness".

Uruguay international Suarez, the report added, used the word "negro" or "negros" seven times during their confrontation.

Suarez, for his part, has denied the FA charge and has consistently denied he is a racist.

The FA document says "Mr Suarez's words, which included a reference to Mr Evra's colour, were insulting."

The panel concludes Suarez has brought the game into disrepute and warned that further offences could lead to what it calls a "permanent suspension".