Luis Suarez's mother has expressed her concern over the future treatment of the Liverpool striker after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
Sandra Diaz is adamant that accusations of her son being a racist are far from the truth but believes that the frontman's eight-match ban could put a "stain" on his career.
"I confide in God, who is the only judge we have," Diaz told Uruguayan newspaper El Observador. "These type of situations have occurred in many games and nothing's ever happened. The truth is that I laugh when they call my son racist. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"We're all waiting to see what happens with the appeal. It's a shame because it had been a perfect year for Luis. I know my son. I know he has to calm down a bit with things like the salute he made to rival fans. But he's no racist.
"I'm worried now when I see him on the pitch. I know he's going to have to look after himself. I'm afraid now when he comes up a black person, especially because they're going to go looking for him."
Despite fearing for her son's career, Diaz is hopeful that the Football Association's ruling with "strengthen his character".
"I'm very worried about his future," she added. "He has his whole future in front of him and there's a stain on his character. I hope this will strengthen his character and serve as a lesson."
Liverpool have yet to announce whether they will appeal Suarez's eight-match ban.
Danielle Joynson
