Liverpool's Luis Suarez has been handed an eight-match ban 禁賽八場and a ￡40,000 fine by the Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing 種族歧視 Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

The Uruguay striker, 24, clashed 發生沖突with the France defender during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October. Suarez, who denied the allegations 否認指控, has 14 days to appeal against the decision. He said on Twitter: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family. Thanks for all the support."

Liverpool, who had backed 支持 their player throughout the case, said the club was "very surprised" by the decision, while manager Kenny Dalglish said on Twitter that he was "very disappointed". The Reds boss added: "This is the time when Luis Suarez needs our full support. Let's not let him walk alone."The six-day hearing 聽證會 was told Suarez used "insulting words 罵人的詞語", which included a reference to Evra's colour.

A Liverpool statement said: "We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone. "No one else on the field of play - including Evra's own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials - heard the alleged 所謂的 conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop（英俚）體育場里的觀眾席 goalmouth.