Suarez apologises to Ivanovic

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has apologised
for biting Chelsea defender Branislav
Ivanovic and has described his behaviour
as 'inexcusable'.
Suarez tangled with Ivanovic in the penalty
area midway through the second half and
television footage appeared to show the
Uruguayan biting his opponent's arm.
Referee Kevin Friend did not see the
incident and the Football Association is set
to open an investigation into the matter on
Monday, while Sky Sports sources
understand Ivanovic will not press charges.
"I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable
behaviour earlier today during our match
against Chelsea," said Suarez in a
statement on the club's official website.
"I have issued an apology and have tried
to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to
him personally. I apologise also to my
manager, playing colleagues and everyone
at Liverpool Football Club for letting them
down."
Suarez later tweeted: "I've just spoken to
Ivanovic on the phone and I could
apologise directly to him. Thanks for
accepting."
The club's managing director Ian Ayre, who
had postponed a trip to Australia to handle
with the incident, confirmed the matter
will be dealt with internally.
Ayre said: "Luis has made an unreserved
apology for his actions today.
"His behaviour 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. We will
deal with the matter internally and await
any action from the FA."
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers did not
initially want to comment until he had
viewed the footage of the incident and has
now branded Suarez's conduct as
'unacceptable'.
Rodgers said: "Having reviewed the video
footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour
is unacceptable and I have made him
aware of this."
Speaking earlier at the post-match press
conference, Rodgers had said: "This is a
club with incredible values and ethics here.
As footballers, managers and staff we are
representing this great club on and off the
field.
"I will always speak openly and honestly
about the players and protect them when
I can and if I think they are wrong I will
tell them - as I have already this season
with Luis (when the striker admitted to
diving).
"People have to accept it when they do
wrong if that's what the case is. They have
to accept the consequences accordingly.
It's disappointing that we are not talking
about the football."