Reality bites
by rick olivares pic by matthias hangst/getty images
I am the point where Luis Suarez’ brilliance can no
longer cover up for on and off-field disciplinary actions.
As a lifelong Liverpool supporter, I can no longer
condone his action and wish to see him away from Anfield lest he continue to
tarnish the club’s name, image, and what is on the road to achieving.
For sure, Suarez is a talent; an all-world player who
can change the outcome of games with his presence. And that is the beguiling
problem. He can win ballgames but he also brings ulcers, headaches, and the
wrath of social media upon you.
However, as I said, I can no longer turn a blind eye.
Premier League title or no Premier League title. I recall while watching the
Liverpool Soccer Schools how this was preached: “Team spirit, hard work,
determination and the ability to overcome any obstacles in life and above all
play with dignity and fair play.... these are all the values and
characteristics we look for in our players.”
Suarez can check possibly the first four
characteristics but not the last which is just as important.
Suarez first came to my attention when he was a
player for Ajax Amsterdam which happens to be the Dutch club that I support. He
was an incredible player who soon found himself in rare air with the great
Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp who also starred for the
club.
In the middle of a suspension after biting PSV
Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal, Ajax, perhaps tired of Suarez’ numerous
suspensions and disciplinary problems dealt him to Liverpool. I was ecstatic but
wary.
I thought that maybe he had worn out his welcome in
Amsterdam (although he departed the club on good terms) but I took note of the
manner in which he departed his first Dutch club, Groningen, where he tried to
leave as soon as a bigger club (Ajax) expressed interest. Groningen didn’t
accept and even won an arbitration case. Only when Ajax doubled its fee was he
released.
Before joining Liverpool, there was another red flag
as Suarez deliberately slapped a shot by Asamoah Gyan in the 2010 World Cup. He
was sent off for his trouble. And to Ghana’s chagrin, Gyan missed the penalty
that would have seen them through.
Unlike others who called Suarez’ handball an act of
cheating I don’t think so. That is no different from a deliberate tackle to
save a possible goal off a breakaway. That is no different from what Marco
Materazzi did to get into Zinedine Zidane’s head in 2006.
On to Anfield where he starred to give the Merseyside
club its first deep threat since El Niño was in these parts. Then came the racist
abuse of Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and the biting of Chelsea’s Branislav
Ivanovic.
The Uruguayan received an eight and ten-match ban
(aside form the fines) respectively for both incidents. Suarez proclaimed his
innocence with regards to his remarks about Evra and caused further controversy
when he refused to shake the MUFC captain’s hand in the pre-game tradition
causing further embarrassment for Liverpool.
That he also did not agree with the ten-match ban
seemed like he did not appreciate the seriousness of his actions.
In the midst of a tumultuous stay in Liverpool,
Suarez tried to force a move to Arsenal prompting further discipline from the
club. This reminded me of his time with Groningen and his apparent disrespect
towards clubs in order to further his own career if not agenda.
Now in the midst of this wondrous World Cup in
Brazil, there has been talk of him leaving for a Spanish club. With that in the
backburner, Suarez capped it off with another mad incident wherein he bit Italy
defender Giorgio Chiellini; an incident missed by the referee or the linesman
but caught on camera in all its gory detail. What made it even catastrophic for
Italy was not only did Suarez avoid being sent off but Uruguay scored off a
corner shot mere moments after the incident. This when they had played well
despite being a man down after another controversial decision where Claudio
Marchisio was dismissed for a challenge. If they sent off Marchisio for that
then why wasn’t Neymar given a red card for a blatant elbow against Croatia’s
Luka Modric.
But the more grievous crime was Suarez’ insatiable hunger…
for controversy and egregious defiance in the face of obvious evidence.
According to FIFA, football’s governing body “can confirm
that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the player Luis Suarez
of Uruguay following an apparent breach of art. 48 and/or art. 57 of the FIFA
Disciplinary Code during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ match Italy-Uruguay
played on 24 June 2014. The player and/or the Uruguayan FA are invited to
provide with their position and any documentary evidence they deem relevant
until 25 June 2014, 5pm, Brasilia time.”
“According to art. 77 lit. a of the FIFA Disciplinary
Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee is responsible for sanctioning
serious infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention.
Furthermore, according to art. 96 of the FDC, any type of proof may be produced
(par. 1), in particular are admissible, reports from referees, declarations
from the parties and witnesses, material evidence, audio or video recordings
(par. 3).”
I have no idea what FIFA will hand down to Suarez. It
could be a lengthier ban and another higher sum. Whatever it is, I think it is
time that Liverpool take the high road and not bring back Suarez.
This man has serious issues about morals and ethics.
He is highly disrespectful and with no regard for history and authority.
It pains me to say that considering what an important
player he is for the Reds. But the club has a code of ethics and no longer can
anyone turn the other cheek to someone who has no regard for the rules as well
as his club and country. Enough of this nonsense.
It might be harder to win that elusive Premier League
title but at least we will do it the right way.
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