Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Luis Suarez has thanked fans for the support that he has received following his four-month global ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
The Uruguayan was issued with a nine-match international suspension by Fifa as well as a ban on "football-related activity" for the incident in
his side's final game in World Cup Group D.
"Hi all, I write this post to give
thanks to the outpouring of support
and love I am receiving," Suarez posted on his official Twitter and
Facebook pages on Saturday.
"Both myself and my family really
appreciate it. Thank you very much
for being by my side and I want you
all today to support my fellow team-
mates for the match against Colombia."
Though national coach Oscar
Tabarez admitting that Suarez
"should be punished" on Friday, the
forward claimed to Fifa that he had
not bit or intended to bite Chiellini, arguing: "I hit my face against the player, leaving a small bruise on my cheek and a strong pain in my
teeth."
Uruguay have signalled their intention to appeal the verdict, with Fifa's head of media, Delia Fischer, telling the press: "We have received a declaration that they are planning to appeal. They informed us of their intention to appeal [on Friday] evening.
"The reasons for the appeal must now be given in writing within a deadline of seven days after the
three days has expired."
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