Suarez ban 'excessive', says victim Chiellini
Bite victim Giorgio Chiellini feels that Fifa has been too heavy-handed in their sanctioning of Luis Suarez.
The striker was banned for four months from all football-related activities as well a nine-match ban at international level.
He was also barred from entering any football stadium for the duration of the ban and fined 100,000 Swiss francs (S$139,728).
Suarez had sunk his teeth into Chiellini's shoulder during the World Cup Group D decider between Uruguay and Italy on June 25.
While Chiellini had called for Fifa to use video evidence to act against his attacker, he feels that the punishment meted out to Suarez was too heavy.
No joy, revenge or anger
Writing on his website, the Italian defender said: "Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that’s done.
"There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.
"At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.
"I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive."
Chiellini said he sincerely hopes that Suarez will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his teammates during the games because such a ban alienates a player.
The terms of the ban have ended Suarez's involvement at the World Cup and will prevent him from linking up with his club Liverpool until October.
Source: Reuters
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