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Updated

http://www.sportinglife.com/football...8.html&BID=165

Luis Suarez has been banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 by the Football Association for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

The Liverpool striker, who has the right of appeal, was sanctioned by an FA Independent Regulatory Commission.

The commission's ruling stated: "Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1); The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2); Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000; The [penalty] is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision."

The statement added: "Mr Suarez has the right to appeal the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to an Appeal Board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days of the date of the written reasons for the decision.

Evra made the claims immediately after the match at Anfield two months ago, telling French TV station Canal Plus that Suarez had used a racist insult to him "at least 10 times".

Suarez told Uruguayan media last month: "There is no evidence I said anything

"There were two parts of the discussion - one in Spanish, one in English. I did not insult him. It was just a way of expressing myself. I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction."