Luis Suarez: World Cup pictures of banned Uruguay striker
- Published
Luis Suarez has said sorry to Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini for biting him during their World Cup match. The Liverpool striker entered the World Cup dreaming of glory but ended it in disgrace, as these photos show.
World of pain: Liverpool and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez begins the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as a Golden Boot contender and ends up being booted out for biting an opponent.
On the sidelines: Suarez (right) claps from the bench as he sits out Uruguay's opening World Cup game on Saturday 14 June following surgery on his knee. Costa Rica claim a surprise 1-0 win.
Back in business: Suarez starts in the crucial match against England on Thursday 19 June, and opens the scoring with a perfectly placed header beyond the reach of England goalie Joe Hart.
Match winner: After England equalise through Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, Suarez seals a 2-1 Group D win for Uruguay at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo.
On top of the world: Suarez enjoys a moment of joy as he takes in the cheers from Uruguayan supporters, but his world will be turned upside down again five days later.
Moment of madness: During Uruguay's final group match against Italy on Tuesday 24 June, Suarez is involved in a biting controversy for the third time in his career - this time appearing to gnaw on the shoulder of defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Shock and anger: Suarez is immediately accused by Chiellini, who pulls down his shirt to reveal a mark on his left shoulder. The striker, meanwhile, holds his teeth after the incident.
All smiles for now: Uruguay go on to snatch a late winner against Italy and Suarez celebrates the 1-0 victory, but after the match he will face a major controversy that results in disciplinary action.
Poster boy: An advertisement at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is changed after tourists queue to have their pictures taken alongside it.
The final whistle: Football's governing body FIFA gives the striker a nine-match ban from internationals and four-month suspension from all football-related activity, including going to stadiums. It rules him out of playing until the end of October.
Fans' favourite: While Suarez faces criticism elsewhere, in Uruguay fans gather at Carrasco international airport, 20 km east of the capital Montevideo, to welcome him back to the country, although he actually returns later.
Villain or hero? Uruguay fans hold up and wear masks of striker Luis Suarez before their World Cup match against Colombia on Saturday 28 June - Uruguay lost 2-0. Defeat marked the end of a campaign in which Suarez made headlines around the globe.