Cheslea defender Branislav Ivanovic complained to referee Kevin Friend that Luis Suarez had bitten him on his right arm inside the Chelsea penalty area in their game on Sunday 21st April 2013.  The damning TV footage speaks volumes.

What has the striker said?

Hours after the incident, Luis Suarez said:

“I apologise to my manager and everyone at Liverpool for letting them down.  I’ve spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him.  Thanks for accepting.”

What have Liverpool FC said?

Liverpool FC’s manager, Brendan Rodgers said:

“This is a club with incredible values and ethics.  There’s certainly no-one bigger than this club, a player or manager.  As football managers, staff and players, we’re representing this club, off the field and in particular on the field.”  And then, “having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this.”

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC’s managing director said:

“Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down.  We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the Football Association.”

And the Football Pundits?

Mark Lawrenson, a former Liverpool footballer and current Football Analyst said:

“What Luis Suarez did has absolutely no place in football and he is going to get – and deserves – an extremely lengthy ban.  You cannot bite people anywhere, let alone on a football field. It is the type of thing you do when you are a baby. He’s a world-class player but he gives you world-class trouble.”

Is a bite classed as “sports violence” and Give Rise to a Sports Injury Claim?

In football, yes.  “Sports Violence” has been defined as behaviour which causes harm, occurs outside of the rules of the sport, and is unrelated to the competitive objectives of the sport.  Branislav Ivanovic would never accept that being bitten is part of the game.  If a sports injury is caused to another player as a result of a contravention of that particular sport’s rules then a claim for sports injury compensation can be made.

What Do The Specialists Say about Sports Injury Claims?

David Healey from Carter & Carter Solicitors in Stockport commented on this latest incident earlier:

“If someone injures you as a result of deliberate or reckless foul play or in this case a bite then you will be able to make a sports injury claim.  We are experienced sports injury Solicitors and specialise in dealing with sports injury claims.   We will run your claim against the responsible party to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of sports injury compensation.”