Luis Suarez versus the English FA

Another day, another incident and another ban; Luis Suarez might be the most controversial person in English football. But for all his antics, he must be loved by the press, for he gives them eye-catching news every time he graces the football pitch. The FA, on the other hand, could well do with even half the publicity that Luis Suarez garners; and the way they have once again chosen to make an example of him just goes to show their helplessness when it comes to the Uruguayan forward.

No offense to David Cameron here, but isn’t he supposed to concentrate on the political side of things or has he forgotten the old adage of ” not mixing politics with sports”? The furore in the English media over the bite is overhyped. Mike Tyson actually bit of a chunk of his opponent’s ear, while in this instance, it was more of a failed attempt.

I am not trying to defend Suarez, but the English media do have a habit of overhyping overseas players when they are involved in controversies. Let’s just reflect on some of the major British player controversies. For all the fiasco over Terry’s racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand, the punishment was insufficient even though there was actual proof of cameras picking up some of the words. Then there is the infamous Keane tackle on Hangeland and, in recent memory,  Jermain Defoe’s biting incident. But the FA seems to have take a very lenient stance against British players as compared to foreigners.

Eric Cantona was made an example and now it is Suarez’s turn. For all the Premier League television rights and sponsorships, the FA should realize that none of the English teams are in the Champions League semis, their national team hasn’t won any major tournament since 1966 and their best players don’t even make it to the starting line-up of the major clubs in Europe.

So to make an example of Suarez will only cause outsourcing of more talented footballers to other leagues that are far more competitive. Suarez is an ill-mannered player, but every move he makes gets him in hot water with the FA and the media. While Wales’ blue-eyed boy Gareth Bale dives and tumbles as he sees fit, the press pounces on Suarez everytime he so much as trips on the field. While diving incidents involving players of the British legion are swept under the carpet, its the South American’s diving which garners eyeballs.

Its understandable that he is a player who cause a lot of trouble, but some of the punishments meted out to him do seem to be inappropriate. A player like him comes once in a while, and while some of his actions have been questionable, it does seem that his actions seem to cause a flutter amongst the FA as compared to the other players. The English FA and press should learn to deal with the situation better, and be transparent instead of creating a furore.