Pele backs Luis Suarez sanction

 

Footballing legend Pele has backed FIFA's stance on its decision to ban Luis Suarez from all football-related activity for four month, following his biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on June 24.

The ruling, which also saw Suarez banned from nine international matches and fined 65,000 pounds, has been described as "too harsh", including Argentina legend Diego Maradona questioning the severity of the punishment.

But with an appeal in process, Pele believes the governing body was well within its rights to make an example of Suarez - in order to prevent a repetition of such

Pele said: "If he was not sanctioned in this way, such incidents could be repeated. No player can do what Luis Suarez did. I believe that the punishment is fair.

"FIFA's decision is good and is correct because it sets an example."

Pele does not believe the suspension will be too much of a setback in Suarez's career, hence, he added: "He's a great player and he will bounce back."