Barca ‘expected better’ in Suarez appeal

Barcelona have been left with a bittersweet feeling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling on Luis Suarez’s biting ban appeal, reports say.

Mundo Deportivo claim Barca hoped CAS would reduce the four-month ban handed to Suarez by FIFA after the forward bit Giorgio Chiellini in the Uruguay vs. Italy World Cup match.

Suarez was also banned for nine international games and from all football activity, which meant he was prohibited from training, entering a football stadium or being presented as a Barca player after his move from Liverpool.

CAS lifted that portion of the ban, freeing Suarez to train and appear in friendlies for both club and country, but upheld the duration of the suspension, leaving Suarez on the sidelines until October for competitive club games.

MD add that Barca argued that since he was representing Uruguay and Liverpool at the time of the incident, they should not be punished, and wanted the ban shortened by a month.

But CAS are thought to have dismissed that argument and also taken into account the recidivism factor as this is the third time Suarez has bitten an opponent.

Barca are yet to comment publically on the decision and Suarez is due to be presented as a Barca player at the start of next week.

He is available for the Joan Gamper Trophy against Leon on Monday.

Tags Court of Arbitration for Sport Luis Suarez
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