Thursday, June 26, 2014

Uruguay beat Italy amid 'bite' scandal

  • Uruguay defeats Italy 1-0 to book place in knockout phase
  • Diego Godin's header secured victory in Natal
  • Italy coach Cesare Prandelli offers his resignation
  • Costa Rica wins Group D following goalless draw with England

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(CNN) -- Luis Suarez may have bitten off more than he can chew this time.

Already banned twice in his career for biting an opponent, the Uruguay striker was seemingly at it again in his country's key World Cup victory over Italy.

Just before Uruguay's winning goal, the striker was embroiled in an off the ball incident with Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini with both men falling to the floor.

Fangs coming out at the World Cup?

And he could be facing a lengthy ban -- despite his attempts to play down the incident.

"The only thing I know is that those are occurrences that happen on the pitch," Suarez told reporters.

"I just collided with his shoulder. They are just casual incidences that occur during a soccer game. "

Television pictures showed Suarez dipping his head towards Chiellini, and when the Italian defender eventually got up, he pulled down his shirt and appeared to furiously indicate that he had been bitten on the shoulder.

"Suarez is a sneak and he gets away with it because FIFA want their stars to play in the World Cup," Chiellini told Sky Sports Italia.

"I'd love to see if they have the courage to use video evidence against him. The referee saw the bite mark too, but he did nothing about it.," added the Juventus defender.

FIFA has opened proceedings against the forward, for breach of FIFA disciplinary code. FIFA added that Suarez and/or his national association are invited to provide their position and any documentary evidence they deem relevant, with a 5pm (Brasilia time) deadline.

The 27-year-old Suarez will now face a nervous wait to find out if football's world governing body FIFA will take action retrospectively -- given it was missed by the match officials - and punish him.

But FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce, who also presides as head of the organizations referees committee, says he has huge concerns over Suarez's actions.

"I have watched the incident several times on television," he told reporters.

"There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism.

"FIFA must investigate the incident seriously and take whatever disciplinary action deemed necessary."

According to FIFA's disciplinary code, the forward could face a maximum ban of 24 matches or two years.

Former Italian international Mauro Tassotti was given an eight-match ban in 1994, the longest suspension in World Cup history, after breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique.

A dejected Wilfried Bony, left, and Die Serey of the Ivory Coast react after being defeated by Greece 2-1 during a World Cup match on Tuesday, June 24, in Fortaleza, Brazil.A dejected Wilfried Bony, left, and Die Serey of the Ivory Coast react after being defeated by Greece 2-1 during a World Cup match on Tuesday, June 24, in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Greece's Georgios Samaras, right, celebrates scoring a penalty.Greece's Georgios Samaras, right, celebrates scoring a penalty.
Goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon of Colombia acknowledges fans after his team defeated Japan 4-1 during a match in Cuiaba, Brazil.Goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon of Colombia acknowledges fans after his team defeated Japan 4-1 during a match in Cuiaba, Brazil.
Colombia's Jackson Martinez celebrates after scoring his second goal against Japan.Colombia's Jackson Martinez celebrates after scoring his second goal against Japan.
Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Japan.Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Japan.
Wilfried Bony of the Ivory Coast celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Yaya Toure, left, and Gervinho.Wilfried Bony of the Ivory Coast celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Yaya Toure, left, and Gervinho.
Shinji Okazaki of Japan reacts during the game against Colombia.Shinji Okazaki of Japan reacts during the game against Colombia.
Ivory Coast's goalkeeper Boubacar Barry makes a save against Greece.Ivory Coast's goalkeeper Boubacar Barry makes a save against Greece.
Boubacar Barry of the Ivory Coast makes a save while Dimitris Salpingidis of Greece tries to take a shot.Boubacar Barry of the Ivory Coast makes a save while Dimitris Salpingidis of Greece tries to take a shot.
Greece's players celebrates scoring against the Ivory Coast.Greece's players celebrates scoring against the Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba heads the ball.Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba heads the ball.
Greece's Georgios Samaras controls the ball.Greece's Georgios Samaras controls the ball.
Salomon Kalou of the Ivory Coast challenges Vasilis Torosidis of Greece.Salomon Kalou of the Ivory Coast challenges Vasilis Torosidis of Greece.
Japan's Yoshito Okubo, bottom, and Colombia's Carlos Valdes vie for the ball.Japan's Yoshito Okubo, bottom, and Colombia's Carlos Valdes vie for the ball.
Referee Pedro Proenca sprays a free kick line during the match between Japan and Colombia.Referee Pedro Proenca sprays a free kick line during the match between Japan and Colombia.
Japan's goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima fails to stop Colombia from scoring.Japan's goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima fails to stop Colombia from scoring.
Greece's Andreas Samaris, left, fights for the ball with Ivory Coast's Ismael Cheick Tiote.Greece's Andreas Samaris, left, fights for the ball with Ivory Coast's Ismael Cheick Tiote.
Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier, left, challenges Greece's Lazaros Christodoulopoulos.Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier, left, challenges Greece's Lazaros Christodoulopoulos.
Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast reacts during the game.Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast reacts during the game.
Dimitris Salpingidis of Greece, left, and Die Serey of the Ivory Coast compete for the ball.Dimitris Salpingidis of Greece, left, and Die Serey of the Ivory Coast compete for the ball.
Orestis Karnezis of Greece takes a goal kick against the Ivory Coast.Orestis Karnezis of Greece takes a goal kick against the Ivory Coast.
Yaya Toure of the Ivory Coast is challenged by Giannis Maniatis, left, and Giorgos Karagounis of Greece.Yaya Toure of the Ivory Coast is challenged by Giannis Maniatis, left, and Giorgos Karagounis of Greece.
Colombia's Carlos Valdes, left, vies for the ball with Japan's Shinji Okazaki during a World Cup match in Cuiaba, Brazil.Colombia's Carlos Valdes, left, vies for the ball with Japan's Shinji Okazaki during a World Cup match in Cuiaba, Brazil.
Jackson Martinez of Colombia controls the ball.Jackson Martinez of Colombia controls the ball.
Pablo Armero of Colombia holds up a shirt with the number 100 during the match against Japan.Pablo Armero of Colombia holds up a shirt with the number 100 during the match against Japan.
Colombia's Juan Guillermo Cuadrado celebrates after scoring a penalty.Colombia's Juan Guillermo Cuadrado celebrates after scoring a penalty.
Greece fans cheer during the game against the Ivory Coast.Greece fans cheer during the game against the Ivory Coast.
An Ivory Coast fan enjoys the atmosphere prior to kickoff.An Ivory Coast fan enjoys the atmosphere prior to kickoff.
Colombia fans blow kisses during the game against Japan.Colombia fans blow kisses during the game against Japan.
Colombia and Japan fans pose together for a selfie.Colombia and Japan fans pose together for a selfie.
Diego Godin of Uruguay, left, celebrates scoring his team's first goal during a match against Italy in Natal, Brazil. Uruguay won 1-0.Diego Godin of Uruguay, left, celebrates scoring his team's first goal during a match against Italy in Natal, Brazil. Uruguay won 1-0.
Uruguay defender Diego Godin, third left, scores. Uruguay defender Diego Godin, third left, scores.
Giorgio Chiellini of Italy pulls down his shirt after a clash with Luis Suarez (not pictured), contending that the Uruguay player bit him. Giorgio Chiellini of Italy pulls down his shirt after a clash with Luis Suarez (not pictured), contending that the Uruguay player bit him.
Italy's Marco Parolo, left, and Uruguay's Maximiliano Pereira vie for the ball. Italy's Marco Parolo, left, and Uruguay's Maximiliano Pereira vie for the ball.
Adam Lallana of England is challenged by Oscar Duarte of Costa Rica during a match at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.Adam Lallana of England is challenged by Oscar Duarte of Costa Rica during a match at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica competes for the ball with Ross Barkley, left, and Adam Lallana of England. Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica competes for the ball with Ross Barkley, left, and Adam Lallana of England.
England forward Wayne Rooney, right, reacts after a challenge from Costa Rica defender Junior Diaz. England forward Wayne Rooney, right, reacts after a challenge from Costa Rica defender Junior Diaz.
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera grabs the ball away from Italy's Marco Parolo. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera grabs the ball away from Italy's Marco Parolo.
Frank Lampard of England controls the ball during the match against Costa Rica.Frank Lampard of England controls the ball during the match against Costa Rica.
England forward Daniel Sturridge, left, challenges Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas. England forward Daniel Sturridge, left, challenges Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Italy midfielder Marco Parolo, left, and Uruguay midfielder Alvaro Gonzalez vie during a match at the Dunas Arena in Natal. Italy midfielder Marco Parolo, left, and Uruguay midfielder Alvaro Gonzalez vie during a match at the Dunas Arena in Natal.
Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio, center, reacts as he is shown a red card by referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez Moreno. Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio, center, reacts as he is shown a red card by referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez Moreno.
Giorgio Chiellini of Italy and Edinson Cavani of Uruguay tussle.Giorgio Chiellini of Italy and Edinson Cavani of Uruguay tussle.
Italy forward Ciro Immobile, left, vies with Uruguay defender Diego Godin. Italy forward Ciro Immobile, left, vies with Uruguay defender Diego Godin.
Uruguay's Edinson Cavani, left, is fouled by Italy's Leonardo Bonucci in the penalty area. Uruguay's Edinson Cavani, left, is fouled by Italy's Leonardo Bonucci in the penalty area.
Midfielder Marco Verratti of Italy heads the ball. Midfielder Marco Verratti of Italy heads the ball.
England goalkeeper Ben Foster leaps to catch the ball during the match between Costa Rica and England. England goalkeeper Ben Foster leaps to catch the ball during the match between Costa Rica and England.
Mario Balotelli of Italy competes for the ball against Cristian Rodriguez, left, and Egidio Arevalo Rios, right, of Uruguay. Mario Balotelli of Italy competes for the ball against Cristian Rodriguez, left, and Egidio Arevalo Rios, right, of Uruguay.
Italy defender Andrea Barzagli, left, and Uruguay forward Luis Suarez vie for the ball. Italy defender Andrea Barzagli, left, and Uruguay forward Luis Suarez vie for the ball.
Diego Godin of Uruguay and Ciro Immobile of Italy compete for the ball. Diego Godin of Uruguay and Ciro Immobile of Italy compete for the ball.
Luis Suarez of Uruguay reacts during a fall. Luis Suarez of Uruguay reacts during a fall.
Andrea Barzagli of Italy challenges Luis Suarez of Uruguay. Andrea Barzagli of Italy challenges Luis Suarez of Uruguay.
Marco Verratti of Italy tackles Cristian Rodriguez of Uruguay. Marco Verratti of Italy tackles Cristian Rodriguez of Uruguay.
England defender Luke Shaw jumps over a Costa Rica player while going after the ball. England defender Luke Shaw jumps over a Costa Rica player while going after the ball.
England midfielder Adam Lallana, right, vies for the ball against Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz. England midfielder Adam Lallana, right, vies for the ball against Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz.
A Uruguay fan holds a cutout of Cristian Rodriguez ahead of the match against Italy.A Uruguay fan holds a cutout of Cristian Rodriguez ahead of the match against Italy.
Italy fans hold up cardboard cutouts of forward Mario Balotelli, left, and midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Italy fans hold up cardboard cutouts of forward Mario Balotelli, left, and midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
England supporters cheer for their team before the match against Costa Rica. England supporters cheer for their team before the match against Costa Rica.
A Costa Rica fan enjoys the atmosphere prior to the match against England. A Costa Rica fan enjoys the atmosphere prior to the match against England.
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
World Cup: The best photos from June 24
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World Cup: The best photos from June 24World Cup: The best photos from June 24
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