Suarez handed 10-game ban for biting Ivanovic

London: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been banned for 10 matches by the English Football Association for biting an opponent during a Premier League match.

The suspension rules the Uruguay international out for the final four league matches of this campaign and the first six of next season.

The FA said in a statement released Wednesday that an independent panel said the regular suspension for violent conduct of three games was "clearly insufficient" after Suarez bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the upper right arm during the 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

Suarez has admitted to biting Ivanovic and apologized. He has been fined by Liverpool.