What will and what should happen to football’s biggest villain?
There’s a World Cup going on right now, but the football world is talking about one thing, and one thing only.
Liverpool owned Uruguayan Luis Suarez bit an opponent against Italy, sending the world’s media into overdrive. His inexcusable actions (it’s the third time he’s bitten someone) have called supporters worldwide to question the appropriate punishments, and what will eventually happen to the 27-year-old maverick.
Here’s what the Caught Offside team reckons…
How is best for FIFA to deal with Luis Suarez, and what punishment should he receive?
Jordan Chamberlain:
Throw the book at him. Ban him for two years worth of international football. I don’t think thought that Liverpool deserve to be punished for the actions of a player they currently have no control or responsibility over.
Mark Apostolou:
FIFA need to throw the book at the serial offender, nothing less than a ten match international ban.
Adam Davies:
Take away his goals so that England qualify in second place behind Costa Rica.
Being serious, it’s hard to say how many international games he should miss given the irregularity of matches in the calendar, but his World Cup should certainly be over. I’d therefore ban him for at least four games.
Glen Harrington:
Ban from the World Cup and the next two major international tournaments Uruguay play in.
Has the time come for Liverpool to sell their world-class striker?
Jordan Chamberlain:
No. Right now, his value has plummeted by £20m. Wait for him to have another 30-goal season and move him on then.
Mark Apostolou:
Yes. Enough is enough. They’ve stood by the Uruguayan though thick and thin and he has repaid them by once again shaming himself and by proxy shaming the club he represents.
Adam Davies:
Yes, because Luis Suarez is at the peak of his value. Daniel Sturridge is a world class finisher, and Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho will continue to improve into real leaders of this Liverpool side. For enough money, Brendan Rodgers’ team ought to be able to progress without the Luis Suarez circus.
Glen Harrington:
Only if the right offer comes along, they have stuck by him through everything else, and while there may be some internal punishment I would imagine they’ll consider that enough.
If so, who’d be the perfect replacement at Anfield?
Jordan Chamberlain:
There’s only two players in world football capable of lacing Suarez’s boots right now, and neither of them are ever going to move to Anfield. Get Sanchez, and use him wide with Sturridge centrally.
Mark Apostolou:
Romelu Lukaku. Fits Brendan Rodgers’ youthful transfer policy and given his good relationship with his former club and Jose Mourinho, he could well win the race to sign the young Belgian.
Adam Davies:
If FC Barcelona only want £25-30m for Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool could sign a world class talent this summer and make a profit.
Glen Harrington:
If he does leave, Alexis Sanchez will likely come in as part of the deal.
Click through the pages to read the rest of the questions!
Where do you think Luis Suarez will be playing his football in time for the 2014/15 season?
Jordan Chamberlain:
At Liverpool. Can Barcelona afford more controversy after their recent transfer punishment? Real Madrid would prefer Falcao, anyway.
Mark Apostolou:
Real Madrid. As soon as a good offer is registered, £70m+, then he’ll be sent packing.
Adam Davies:
Liverpool have already forgiven racially abusive comments from Luis Suarez, and a previous bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, so I expect him to remain at Anfield unless Brendan Rodgers and the Reds hierarchy decides to sell him.
Glen Harrington:
Liverpool
Would Liverpool, or any potential buying club, be wrong to employ a man who has now bitten an opponent three times?
Jordan Chamberlain:
Yes, and no. Liverpool messed up badly when they supported Suarez after his racist incident. But they’re effectively in a lose lose situation now, as if they criticise their forward, he has grounds to request a transfer. Their best bet is to keep quiet – and issue him a private final warning.
Mark Apostolou:
It’s a calculated risk worth taking. Liverpool can no longer stand by the player after his previous unsavoury incidents, guess he gets a clean slate at a new club.
Adam Davies:
No. He’s clearly an excellent footballer, and his club are run as a business which naturally wants to keep its best assets. However, I do think they should have come out with a stronger message against his actions – both the racist abuse towards Patrice Evra, which he’s still never apologised for, and the biting, which he has. They can criticise him while emphasising they want to constructively help him avoid making the same mistakes, still emphasising that he’s not for sale.
Glen Harrington:
Perhaps, but his ability makes him too difficult to resist for most – put it this way, would you honestly want him at your club? I think most people would say yes.
What’s wrong with Luis Suarez?!
Jordan Chamberlain:
He’s a strange, strange man – who’s animalistic qualities make him the player he is. But I disagree with the ‘Give him help’ rhetoric. He’s a multi-millionaire. He should actively try and seek his own help, instead of blaming his countless faults on the media. He’s the most dislikeable footballer I have ever come across, but equally, one of the greatest.
Mark Apostolou:
He’s an animal pure and simple. Great player when he isn’t taking chunks out of players shoulders/arms.
Adam Davies:
I wouldn’t care to indulge in any amateur psychology, so all I’ll say is I have no idea. Biting people is just weird.
Glen Harrington:
He obviously some sort of mental issue. He seems normal enough in interviews etc. But the red mist descends when he plays, to a level we’ve not seen in a long time. I have to think players are trying to provoke him now, because they know how good he is and they know they could solve their problem by getting him sent-off. He needs help, before he does even further damage to his repuation as one of the greatest players in the world. Or what’s left of that reputation anyway…
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