As a lifelong Evertonian, I am delighted that Luis Suárez will miss the forthcoming derby match. I acknowledge that this is a compliment to his ability as a footballer. But I cannot help feeling that the reaction to the biting incident is hysterical. Unpleasant as his action was, Branislav Ivanovic will no doubt be fit to turn out for Chelsea’s next match, whereas victims of over-the-ball challenges can have their careers shortened. Is he paying an excessive penalty for being of South American origin?
Brian Ronson
Liverpool

• While it is not in dispute that the behaviour of Luis Suárez is totally unacceptable, the spectacle of the media pack like a gang of hounds after a fox is unedifying. A curious absence is what should have been the most sought-after picture: the bitten shoulder of the victim, as was the case with Holyfield’s ear after a chunk of it had been chewed off by Mike Tyson. A further intemperate attack by Andy Hunter (22 April) damns Liverpool FC for allegedly protecting Suárez. On the same page was the following report: “Ivanovic was checked for injuries after the game, there were none – and the Met police officer who visited the club’s training ground looked for bite marks or bruises. He too saw nothing.”

We witnessed the appearance of a bite, which actually didn’t happen. Even Suárez himself, by correctly apologising, began to believe the hatred unleashed against him. We should guard against being stampeded into judgment by a crazed media campaign, particularly when Liverpool is involved, egged on by TV pundits who, in the past, have broken players’ legs and put paid to their careers.
Tony Mulhearn
Liverpool

• When he heard that Suárez’s biting was the act of a three-year-old, my three-year-old grandson was very indignant. He said he used to bite people when he was two, but he’s too grown up to do that now.
Peter Russell
Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A news article on 2013-04-25 20:00:00 from: The Guardian

Read the full article here.

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