LIVERPOOL striker Luis Suarez has been banned for one match after admitting an FA charge of improper conduct following a rude gesture he made to Fulham fans in a Premier League game at the start of December. Suarez, 24, was pictured making a one-finger gesture to Fulham fans after Liverpool were defeated 1-0 by the London club at Craven Cottage on December 5.
The Uruguayan – who has also been banned for eight games after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra on October 15, subject to appeal – admitted improper conduct and the FA has confirmed he will serve a suspension.
Suarez will now miss tomorrow night’s home game with Newcastle United.
Liverpool have also been fined as a result of their players’ angry response to referee Kevin Friend’s decision to dismiss Jay Spearing for a challenge on Fulham’s Moussa Dembele in the same game.
An FA statement read: “Liverpool Football Club have been fined £20 000 by The FA and warned as to their future conduct for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the league fixture at Fulham on December 5, 2011.
“The club admitted the charge, which was in relation to the dismissal of Jay Spearing, but did not accept the standard £20 000 penalty for the offence. However, at an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today (Wednesday, December 28) the fine was imposed.
“Meanwhile, Liverpool player Luis Suarez will begin a one-match suspension with immediate effect after he admitted an FA charge of improper conduct in relation to the same game.
“Suarez was also fined £20 000 and warned as to his future conduct following a gesture he made towards the Fulham fans at the end of the fixture.”