The Uruguayan Football Association have insisted that they will fight any possible sanction from FIFA if striker Luis Suarez is punished for an alleged punch during last month's World Cup qualifiers.

The Liverpool frontman has been accused of punching Chile defender Gonzalo Jara during Uruguay's 2-0 defeat, but the incident was missed by referee Nestor Pitana at the time.

A statement, which appeared on Conmebol's official website from AUF president Sebastien Bauza, said: "Once again we feel Suarez is being persecuted by different football leagues, mainly the English, and we think this is unjust because it's a normal action in football.

"We will defend him very strongly. We are working with all the videos and pictures showing Suarez reacted to an initial aggression from Jara."

Suarez will be suspended for Uruguay's next qualifier against Venezuela on June 11 after picking up a yellow card for a separate incident.

Written by
Danielle Joynson