Embattled Luis Suarez Starts for Liverpool Pending Appeal of 8-Game Ban

Embattled Luis Suarez Starts for Liverpool Pending Appeal of 8-Game Ban
Jojo Doria

London, United Kingdom

A day after being handed an eight-game ban by the English Football Association, Luis Suarez started in Liverpool FC's game at Wigan Wednesday night, with his punishment on hold pending any appeal.

Suarez, the Reds top scorer this season in the English Premier League, was meted a lengthy suspension and fined $62,000 Tuesday by the Football Association after being found guilty of directing a racial insult at Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

In a statement in its website, the FA after a concluding a seven-day hearing found the 24-year-old Uruguay international "used insulting words" that also included "a reference to Mr. Evra's color" during an Oct. 15 match against United.

That match at Liverpool's Anfield stadium ended in a 1-1 deadlock.

The penalty is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal, which must be filed within 14 days.

Suarez has consistently denied the charge. He has also received full support from teammates and from the club.

In a statement, Liverpool, which has American owners, indicated it was "very surprised and disappointed" with the decision.

On Wednesday, the Uruguay star forward tried to spark Liverpool against the Latics, but the distraction appeared to wore him down as his side was held to a scoreless 0-0 draw.