LIVERPOOL FC have reacted angrily to the “extraordinary” decision of the Football Association to slap Luis Suarez with an astonishing eight-match ban.

An FA Independent Regulatory Commission announced last night that Suarez was guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra during Liverpool FC’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Anfield on October 15.

The six-day hearing was told Suarez, who has also been fined £40,000, used “insulting words” which included a reference to Evra’s colour.

But in a hard-hitting statement in response, Liverpool FC:

reiterated their full backing of Suarez

accused the FA of being “determined” to find the striker guilty

cast doubt over Evra’s credibility

revealed the Frenchman in his written statement said he didn’t regard Suarez as racist, and that the FA also did not regard the player to be racist

questioned whether the FA also intend to charge Evra with making abusive remarks to Suarez

and intimated they may take legal action in a bid to clear their player’s name.

Suarez, who denied the allegations, has 14 days to appeal against the decision, although Liverpool will wait until they receive written reasons from the panel in the next few days explaining the lengthy ban.

And while an appeal would leave Suarez free to play until it was heard, it would run the risk of his ban being extended if it failed.

Writing on his Twitter account last night, Suarez said: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I'll keep working.”

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish wrote on Twitter: “Very disappointed with today's verdict. This is the time when @luis16suarez needs our full support. Let's not let him walk alone.”