Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy has paid tribute to Luis Suarez as the Football Association (FA) prepares to deliver a verdict on the striker over alleged racist slurs. More than two months after Manchester United defender Patrice Evra made the allegations during a 1-1 draw at Anfield on October 15, the FA could publicise its decision before Liverpool’s game at Wigan on Wednesday, with Suarez facing a ban and a fine if found guilty of the charge.
A verdict from a three-man disciplinary panel was expected last week but on Friday an FA statement said there wouldn’t be an announcement on a decision “before Tuesday (December 20) at the earliest”. If Suarez was suspended, it would hit Liverpool hard. Not only are Kenny Dalglish’s side set to embark on a busy festive programme, but Suarez has been in fine form lately. The Uruguay international followed up his winner in the previous game against Queens Park Rangers by twice hitting the woodwork in Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Aston Villa.
“I’ve not seen a forward quite like him ability wise and for luck as well — he constantly either hits the post or bar,” said Liverpool striker Bellamy. “He could be on a lot more goals than what he is, but performance wise is enough for us. The way he goes about his business, he is a credit to us.” Liverpool have won their last two games without conceding to move to within three points of fourth-placed Chelsea. And Bellamy is desperate to ensure the winning run continues at Wigan, who did Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League a favour on Saturday by holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.
