Luis Suarez's 10-game ban for biting was over the top, says Giorgio Chiellini

Posted Wednesday, April 04, 2018 by squawka.com

Giorgio Chiellini insists he has forgiven Luis Suarez for his infamous bite at the 2014 World Cup, suggesting the striker's resulting four-month ban was too harsh a punishment.

Suarez has made 188 appearances for Barcelona since 2014-15 but missed the start of his first season at Camp Nou following the incident in Brazil.

The Uruguayan bit the shoulder of Italy defender Chiellini during a group game at the World Cup – Suarez didn't return to action for his country for almost two years.

But Chiellini says the ban Suarez received was "exaggerated."

"I have crossed him on the pitch since and it has been a pleasure, because he is a great forward and playing against him is always a challenge," Chiellini told El Mundo.

"I would like to swap shirts with him. His ban, with the penalty of not being able to enter stadiums, seemed exaggerated."

Successful seasons

Luis Suarez's 10-game ban for biting was over the top, says Giorgio Chiellini

Both Chiellini and Suarez are enjoying successful seasons with Juventus and Barcelona respectively, and there is still a chance their sides could meet in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Juventus are currently four points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A and look set to finish top of the Italian flight for the seventh successive year.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are nine points above second-placed Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Suarez has contributed 22 goals in 26 league appearances so far this season.