Da Silva agrees with FIFA sanctions on Suarez

Sao Paulo, July 5 (IANS/EFE) Former Brazil president Luiz Lula da Silva said that he admires Uruguay's Luis Suarez but agreed with FIFA for handing the striker the severe penalty after the biting incident involving Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup group stage.

Da Silva said that the sanctions may be heavy but the World Cup is a chance for teaching sportsmanship, reports EFE.

Suarez was handed a nine-match and four-month suspension from any football related activity earlier in the tournament.

He issued an apology through his Facebook page June 30 saying that he apologises to Chiellini and the entire football community for the incident adding “I deeply regret what occurred” and vowed "to the public that there will never be again another incident like this”.