Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has accused the Football Association of 'having it in' for striker Luis Suarez after they issued the Uruguayan with a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
The 26-year-old has until midday tomorrow to appeal the suspension, which came about after the incident was missed by match officials during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.
"I consider myself a friend of Luis," Reina told Spanish radio Cadena Cope. "People in England are treating him different because he is Uruguayan, because he has had a previous episode like this.
"He knows full well that what he did was wrong but a 10-game ban seems to me absurd, out of proportion and unfair. It seems that the people making the decisions have got it in for Luis a little bit. That's the way I see it.
"I know Luis and I know that he is the complete opposite [off the pitch], he is a magnificent person and great teammate. But because of the way he plays, he is aggressive and very competitive, he plays like a street player and sometimes the way he is gets him into trouble."
Reina also believes that there is a lot of "hypocrisy" within the English disciplinary system due to Chelsea captain John Terry receiving a four-match ban for racial abuse, while Suarez was handed eight for a similar offence.
"There is a lot of hypocrisy," Reina added. "Some players are treated differently to others. In the racism cases, one with proof got four games and Luis got eight matches."
Meanwhile, the Reds will have to prepare without the prolific striker for this Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.
Danielle Joynson
