Suarez failed to see “seriousness’ of bite

The Uruguay international was handed a l0-game suspension for the incident, missed by referee Kevin Friend but subsequently reviewed using television evidence, in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Anfield.

And while the 26-year-old, and his club, issued apologies and admissions of guilt within hours of the incident occurring the subsequent decision to challenge the FA’s assertion a three-match ban was insufficient undermined their previous contrition.

Having considered submissions from the FA and Suarez, the three-man panel, comprising chairman Thura KT Win, JP, Roger Pawley and Brian Talbot, felt the player was not suitably aware of the significance of his action.

“We took into consideration of Mr Suarez’s apology, his personal statement, supporting letter from Mr Brendan Rodgers and the letter from Ms Zoe Ward [club secretary],” said the panel’s report.

“But when these were read in conjunction with Mr Suarez’s denial of the standard punishment that would otherwise apply for violent conduct is clearly insufficient, it seemed to us that Mr Suarez has not fully appreciated the gravity and seriousness of this truly exceptional incident. We believe it is our duty to discourage any players at any level from acting in such a deplorable manner or attempting to copy what they had seen on the television.

“The incident of biting an opponent is alien to football and must remain so. It is completely unacceptable.”

The regulatory commission felt Suarez should have taken more notice of the response the wider world — even Prime Minister David Cameron got dragged into the debate — had of his biting incident and the impact it had on the sport.

In a statement earlier Suarez, having seen the report, said he did not appeal against his ban because he realised his behaviour was unacceptable.

“I am truly very sorry about the incident with Branislav Ivanovic. I hope that all the people who I have offended at Anfield last Sunday will grant me forgiveness,” he said.

“Right now I just want to focus on becoming a better footballer on and off the field.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers, whose side visit Newcastle in the Premier League this evening, was highly critical of the disciplinary process and the length of the ban.

He said: “We can’t hide our disappointment at the outcome of this situation, but we have to move on and support Luis in his decision [not to appeal].”