**UPDATE**
Suarez has been suspended for nine international games, and has been barred from playing football anywhere for the next four months.
BREAKING: FIFA says Luis Suarez is suspended for nine matches plus four months from all football activity.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 26, 2014
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez is in danger of being banned for the remainder of the 2014 World Cup after he was caught on camera biting Italian player Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in Uruguay's third match of the Group Stage. Just days earlier, Suarez had been hailed as a hero for his swift return from a torn meniscus to score two goals in a huge victory over England.
Suarez has a well-documented history of rash and unacceptable behavior, including a suspension for racist comments on the pitch toward an opponent, and at least two other instances in which he was caught biting opposing players. Both instances earned him lengthy suspensions.
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Despite the bad history, Suarez appeared to have no remorse when addressing this most recent controversy. "These are things that happen on the pitch, we were both in the area, he thrust his shoulder into me," Suarez said. "These things happen on the pitch, and we don't have to give them so much (importance)."
Suarez's coach Oscar Tabarez also defended his top player, noting that the World Cup isn't a contest to see which side had the best manners. "I want to say that if he's attacked, as it has begun in this press conference, we'll also defend him, because this is a football World Cup, not of cheap morality," Tabarez said.
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Following the bite, FIFA president Jim Boyle tried to avoid making strong comments in either direction. "There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism," Boyle said. "FIFA must investigate the incident seriously."
It is within FIFA's power to ban Suarez for up to two years, which seems likely considering his previous actions. On the other hand, Suarez is one of the sport's brightest stars and most entertaining players. Still, it is hard to imagine the Uruguayan playing another second in Brazil this year.
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