Luis Suarez issues apology for biting Branislav Ivanovic

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez apologized for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on Sunday during their English Premier League game.

The 26-year-old from Uruguay was clearly seen grabbing and biting the arm of Ivanovic after he cleared the ball from Suarez just outside the penalty box. Ivanovic immediately complained after the two tumbled to the pitch, but referee Kevin Friend did not see the incident and no penalty was called.

Suarez eventually scored seven minutes into stoppage time to help Liverpool earn a 2-2 draw.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s managing director of soccer, issued a terse statement.

“His behavior is not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt and Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down,” Ayre said in the statement. “We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the FA.”

The FA is the Football Assn., the governing body of professional soccer in Britain. Liverpool has already fined Suarez an undisclosed amount of money that the striker asked to be donated to charity. A hefty fine and long suspension from the FA is expected soon.

Suarez bit an opponent in 2010 while playing for powerhouse Ajax in the Netherlands, and was suspended seven games by the Dutch league. Two months later, he was acquired by Liverpool. He was suspended in the Premier League after racially abusing Patrice Evra of Manchester United during a game in 2011.

Suarez eventually spoke to Ivanovic.

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