FA charge Suarez with violent conduct after Ivanovic bite

The FA are threatening the Liverpool striker with a hefty ban, suggesting that the standard three-match ban would be "clearly insufficient".

The incident went unspotted by the match officials, and .

"It is alleged that the conduct of Suarez constitutes violent conduct," the statement read, "and it is The FA’s contention that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient in these circumstances.

"Suarez has until 6pm on Tuesday 23 April to respond to the charge, thereafter an Independent Regulatory Commission will be convened this Wednesday, 24 April."

Suarez has apologised for the incident, both publicly and by phone to Ivanovic, and has already been fined by Liverpool. In his own words, his conduct was 'inexcusable'. There is no expectation that Liverpool will contest the FA's ruling on Suarez.

Brendan Rodgers' side have four matches left this season, meaning it is likely that Suarez has played his last game for the Reds in this campaign.

The Uruguayan was banned for seven matches when playing for his former club Ajax after biting Otman Bakkal in 2011. That game proved to be his last for Ajax before he joined Liverpool in a £22.8m move in January 2011.

Liverpool have suggested through managing director Ian Ayre that the striker will need to work on his disciplinary record, but that they have no intention of selling him.

Suarez is the leading scorer in the Premier League this season, and his last-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea was his 30th in all competitions.