Luis Suarez has been handed a one match ban from the Football Association following his one-fingered gesture to Fulham fans during the game at Craven Cottage on 5th December. Liverpool Football Club were handed a £20,000 fine for ‘failing to control their players’ during the immediate aftermath of Jay Spearing’s sending off for his challenge on Moussa Dembele. Liverpool have admitted to the charge but have contested the monetary fine.

Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool alike fans will no doubt feel this is adding insult to injury hot after Suarez was hit with a £40,000 fine and eight match ban for the ‘racist abuse’ charge that was brought by Patricia Evra’s complaint. The latest penalty was doled out following Suarez’s admission of guily to the charge of misconduct. 

This will come as a severe blow to Liverpool who, as if not having Suarez for the next eight matches wasn’t enough, will miss arguably their best player for a crucial part of the campaign. If Liverpool make fourth place now, then the achievement will be nothing short of remarkable. Pressure will now sit on the shoulders of Andy Carroll, 22 who has failed to impress since his £35m transfer this time last year from Newcastle. Options in the Liverpool squad are thin in attack and Dalglish has only Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt to choose from as back up. It’s likely that he will enter the transfer market in the January window to look for back up. Swansea’s Joe Allen has been mentioned as a long term option and may well be able to provide some cover during Suarez’s absence.

By Ben Green

Follow us on Twitter @Koptimes