Fred jumps to defence of Suarez

Terespolis: Brazil striker Fred said on Thursday the lengthy ban for biting handed down to Uruguay`s Luis Suarez could "ruin his livelihood."

"You can`t deny that he committed a mistake, but as a player and a human being who sometimes takes things to heart, I think (the ban) is too severe," said Fred at a press conference in Teresopolis in a rare show of unity between the old South American rivals. "The majority of people I have spoken to about it think it is fair but it is a punishment that could ruin his livelihood. "I think he has to be punished, but I would really like to see him continue playing in this World Cup in Brazil." FIFA announced on Thursday morning that Suarez would be banned from all football-related activity for four months while also having to sit out his country`s next nine matches and pay a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000). The 27-year-old striker was found guilty of biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini as the two challenged for the ball during Uruguay`s 1-0 win on Tuesday.