FA charges Suarez over racism accusations

Liverpool, England – Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has been charged by the FA over racism accusations made by Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

In an interview with French television channel Canal+ following a 1-1 draw between the two sides at Anfield, Evra said: "There are cameras, and you can see him [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times. No place for that in 2011. The referee is aware of what was said."

Evra told referee Andre Marriner of the incident after the final whistle and made it known that he would pursue a complaint.

A statement from the FA on Wednesday read: "The FA has today charged Liverpool's Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on October 15, 2011. It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules.

"It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or color and/or race of Patrice Evra. The FA will issue no further comment at this time."

Suarez has denied claims of racial abuse against Evra, and he has the full support of Liverpool, which issued a statement on its website on Wednesday in response to the charge.

"The club this afternoon received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge Luis Suarez and will take time to properly review the documentation which has been sent to us," the statement read.

"We will discuss the matter fully with him when he returns from international duty, but he will plead not guilty to the charge and we expect him to request a personal hearing. Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra. The club remain fully supportive of Luis in this matter."