Brazilian legend Pele has defended FIFA’s ban of Luis Suarez following his bite on Giorgio Chiellini last week, describing it as proportionate and fair.

The disgraced Uruguay and Liverpool striker was handed a four month ban from all football-related activity following his latest indiscretion, as well as a £66,000 fine. It is a strong message that football’s governing body has sent out, and one which Pele backs.

Pele said: “It’s something unprecedented,” the three-time World Cup winner said.

“Of course some people react badly when something has happened to them but it’s always been a headbutt, an elbow or a kick from a player when fighting for the ball.

“But a bite. This is the first time that something like this has happened in the World Cup. Even for us who were on the pitch this is something that was unprecedented.

“I think the decision from FIFA is a good one and the right one because they have to make an example.

“If they don’t, this could spread. This shouldn’t be done by anyone or copied by anyone.

“So I think it was fair because it acts as a precedent from now and it is clear that there are consequences for the action.”

Other top names from the world of football have backed FIFA in banning the Liverpool player, including Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Suarez had argued during his FIFA hearing that he had merely lost balance and hit his face in the incident versus Italy last week.

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