Luis Suarez banned for 10 matches by FA

The Independent Regulatory Commission has issued the severe penalty on behalf of the Football Association, adding a further seven games to a mandatory three-game ban for violent conduct.

Suarez has until noon on Friday to respond to the charge, but is shocked and disappointed at the scale of the punishment.

He is now considering whether to appeal, but Liverpool and the striker will await the written reasons for the decision before assessing their next move.

The adjudication will be handed to the club tomorrow.

A 10-match ban will see Suarez miss Liverpool’s remaining four games of this season and the first six domestic matches of the next campaign, potentially ruling the Uruguayan striker out until October.

An FA statement said: “Luis Suarez has been suspended for a total of 10 matches after an Independent Regulatory Commission today ruled on a charge of violent conduct.

“A three-person Independent Regulatory Commission today upheld The FA’s claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three. The suspension begins with immediate effect.