Super Rugby mid-season report card

Key men ... George Smith (Brumbies) and Bernard Foley (Waratahs).

With the first half of the 2013 Super Rugby season now gone, we rate the progress of the five Australian teams with the help of Fox Sports Stats.

Brumbies

Where they sit: First.The Brumbies raced out of the blocks this season, putting last year's final round heartache behind them with five straight victories. The early loss of David Pocock has been offset by the arrival – and subsequent seamless transition – of George Smith while the likes of Ben Mowen, Christian Lealiifano and Jesse Mogg making an irresistible case for Wallabies selection. The only hiccup remains a draw at home to Southern Kings but with their South African tour out of the way, an automatic semi-finals berth as winners of the Australian conference looks to be well within reach.

Star performer: George Smith. It's honestly like he never left. The 110-Test veteran had little time soak up his return to Canberra, finding himself thrust into action after just 13 minutes of the round-four clash against the Waratahs. Since then, Smith has turned in a couple of vintage displays – particularly against the Highlanders – and leads the Brumbies for tackles (95), offloads (10), pilfers (5) and forced penalties (4).

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Sore point: Although he claimed a decision to make wholesale changes for the clash with the Kings was about resting players, there's no hiding from the fact Jake White may have taken the South Africans just a little bit too lightly. The Brumbies were barely in the game in the second half as the visitors stormed home to snatch a draw, which may have even been two more points than the Brumbies deserved.

Where to now? The only real problem worry for the Brumbies at this stage looks to be their poor discipline with the side averaging the most penalties per game (11.7) of any Super Rugby team. Their key position players are in good form while they're strong starts make them dangerous frontrunners. A tough four-week period that sees them face the Crusaders, Waratahs and Blues away from home from rounds 12 to 15 is likely to be the defining factor on where they finish on the table.

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Reds

Where they sit: Second. After a poor opening game against the Brumbies, the Reds have made steady progress each game to put themselves firmly in the running for the semi-finals at the halfway point of the season. The return from injury of skipper James Horwill and halfback Will Genia coincided with a sharp improvement in their direction and structure, allowing playmaker Quade Cooper more time and space on the ball. They're as good as any side with their best team on the field, although Digby Ioane's contract breakdown has the power to derail what is looking like a very promising season.

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Star performer. Digby Ioane. He may not be covering himself in glory off the field, but there's no doubting Ioane's dominance on it. The Reds winger has been heroic in attack this season, never shirking the responsibility when asked to take the ball forward. He leads the franchise for runs (75), metres (646) and linebreaks (6), and is second in the competition for tackle busts (34). The Reds would be wise to make peace with their most-dangerous attacking weapon as they plot a title charge.

Sore point: It wasn't such the result that had Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie up in arms following his side's shock loss to Western Force, but the manner in which it came. Unbackable favourites before kick-off, the Reds were out-enthused and outmuscled around the contact engagements and were possibly not entirely switched on. They also may live to regret the spurning of several kickable penalties from the weekend's draw with the Brumbies.

Where to now: Just two points shy of the Brumbies in the Aussie conference, the Reds are well ahead of where they were at the same stage last year. They'll be out to make a clean sweep of their New Zealand encounters on Friday night while two tough games in the Republic – against the Cheetahs and Stormers - could decide whether they challenge for the Aussie conference title or fight it out for a wildcard spot. Whatever the result, it'd take a brave man to suggest the Reds can't go all the way on the strength of their recent form.

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Waratahs

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Where they sit: Third. A new gameplan and coach were always going to make the first half of the season a difficult proposition for the Waratahs but it's performances like their one against the Chiefs that suggests times are changing in Sydney. Friday night's victory at Allianz Stadium keeps them in the hunt for the semis but you get the feeling coach Michael Cheika is more focused on refining the Waratahs' attacking mindset so that it becomes second-nature. The coach's willingness to put senior players on notice has created a healthy competition for spots while Israel Folau's signature is looking like more of a masterstroke each time he steps onto the field.

Star performer: Bernard Foley. A former Australia Sevens captain, Foley was always going to be the right man to spearhead Cheika's running mantra. So often criticised for their aimless kicking, the Waratahs have finally found a No.10 who's first instinct isn't to put boot to ball but to take the line on and create opportunities for those outside him. Foley's decision-making has been excellent and has seen him rise to second in the competition for linebreak assists (9) and try assists (5), and equal third for linebreaks (8). He has also crossed for three tries.

Sore point: The Waratahs have little cause to be angry about their narrow defeat to the Cheetahs, considering they got out of jail against both the Blues and Chiefs but they may yet live to rue their inability to close out the South Africans. They'll need to stop giving opposition sides such a comfortable opening to their encounters – a feature of their loss to the Cheetahs - having conceded the most points in the opening 20 minutes of any side in the competition.

Where to now? While they're still in the playoff mix at this stage, a trip to the post-season just looks to be beyond the boys in blue in 2013. There's been plenty of positive signs over the past few weeks - not least of which was Foley's clever ball to John Ulugia last Friday night – but their inability to turn in a consistent effort for 80 minutes suggests games on the road against the Crusaders and Bulls, and at home against the Reds and Brumbies might be too much to ask. A clean sweep of their South African tour while unlikely, would certainly have the Brumbies and Reds looking over their shoulder.

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Melbourne Rebels

Where they sit: Fourth. A bright start to the season quickly turned sour for the Rebels as their performances on the field, and behaviour off it, took a turn for the worse. Five straight defeats sandwiched between victories over the Force have brought coach Damien Hill's job into question while the late-night scuffle between Kurtley Beale and Cooper Vuna made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Hill has been told he'll have to reapply for his job next season, which is sure to see him pushing for Beale's return from suspension as early as this weekend.

Star performer: James O'Connor. Another man sweating on Beale's return, O'Connor has done his best to make the most of the Rebels' few attacking opportunities. A move into No.10 against the Kings paid dividends albeit without the desired outcome and he looks to have established a good understanding with impressive Kiwi newcomer Jason Woodward. O'Connor leads the side for also for offloads (9), linebreak assists (4), try assists (4), run metres (497) and tackle busts (20).

Sore point. Much has been made of the late night bust-up that saw Beale and Vuna sent home from South Africa but the question as to why players were ever out in the first place remains a mystery. Smashed 60-7 by the Sharks, team management would have been wise to enforce "night in" before ordering the squad to review their performance and complete a thorough recovery the next morning. The match against the Kings was easily the one that got away, too.

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Where to now? The first step for the Rebels will be to fix their leaky defence, which has given up the second most linebreaks (6.8) and missed the second most tackles (24.4) of any side in the competition. That may be easier said than done with their next three matches coming against the Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues before they resume Australian hostilities. Beale's eventual return is sure to coincide with an upturn in form but it might not be enough to see the Rebels avoid the wooden spoon in Australia, and perhaps the competition.

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Force

Where they sit. Fifth. It may not have been the brightest of starts for coach Michael Foley at the Force but looking at the way he finished things with the Waratahs, it certainly could have been a lot worse. Two rousing wins over the Reds and Crusaders and a series of near misses have given the Sea of Blue cause for optimism, particularly since they've done it without a genuine superstar. Alfi Mafi has been a revelation out wide, Hugh McMeniman's efforts were grabbing the attention of Wallabies selectors while Alby Mathewson has been one of the buys of the competition. It's not always pretty rugby but the Force have shown enough to suggest they'll nab a couple more win before the season's out.

Star performer. Kyle Godwin. A former Australian Schoolboys and Under 20s star, Godwin is developing into a fine midfield option for the Force. Boasting plenty of speed and some neat footwork, Godwin has shown both the ability to create opportunities for those outside him and a willingness to attack the line himself. Freshened up after a week's rest, his battle with in-form Brumbies centre Christian Lealiifano is one not to be missed in round 11.

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Sore point: While the victory over the Crusaders sent the Perth faithful delirious, heartbreaking losses to both the Cheetahs and Rebels must have had them seeing red. The Force seem to have an ability to get up for the big games but fail to deliver when the adrenalin of facing a supposedly easier opposition isn't there. They're also averaging just 18.2 points per game – the least of any side in Super Rugby – so an improved attack should be a focus for the second half of the season.

Where to now? The semi-finals may be out of reach but the Force are more than capable of spoiling the playoff dreams of several sides, particularly their Australian rivals. With five of their last six games at home, the Force will also be out to repay the faith of their long-suffering fans as they look to improve a dismal home record. The threat of the Aussie conference, and possibly Super Rugby's, wooden-spoon should also serve as a key motivator.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

ANZAC Day like Origin and Test match

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Willie Mason ... gets ploughed by St George Illawarra in the ANZAC day clash, 2008. Source: Sam Mooy / News Limited

Former Roosters player Willie Mason has likened playing in the ANZAC Day match against St George Illawarra to that of a mixture between State of Origin and Test Match football.

Since 2002 the Dragons have won 8 of 11 fixtures but regardless of what the record books may show, the Newcastle forward said it will have an intensity hard to be rivalled in any other regular round clash. 

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"It's really an emotional day," Mason said on NRL360.

"The jets come flying over, it's only a club game but it's more than a club game.

"It's semi playing like a Test (match), that whole ANZAC feeling.

"…the first 10 minutes is semi like an Origin, it's pretty crazy." 

Last year Braith Anasta captained the Roosters side against the Dragons in the highly anticipated fixture.

Now with the Wests Tigers, the former international had difficulty explaining the importance of Thursday's fixture. 

"It's one of those games you look forward to all year," Anasta said. 

"But it's hard to sort of explain how important it is to you.

"The people that have served our country past and present you're thinking about them and want to represent them as best you can but you're also thinking about your own family and friends. 

"It's quite an emotional day." 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Outsider: Milne's Chewbacca Defence

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Outsider ... Brett Geeves is gabsmacked Stephen Milne only recieved a one-week ban. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Last year, AFL players handed over a whopping $159,850 (Andy D's monthly salary before tax) in fines for a range of offences including wrestling, engaging in melees, negligent contact with umpires, obscene language and obscene gestures.

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Over the weekend, Essendon and St Kilda became involved in a reasonable squabble that saw eight players fined in excess of $14,000. $14,000 is the cost of importing a red-arsed baboon and training him to commentate with Eddie and the boys during a Collingwood game. It's also a reasonable contribution to a charity. Or, it could be used on a long Friday lunch and blown on the roulette wheel at Crown. Google offers little on this topic so I am a little lost.

Believe it or not, I have been involved in some proper scraps on the footy field. By involved, I mean, stealing the goal umpires flags and waving them feverishly in a sign of surrender.

Claremont (my mob, representing public schools and Ford tattoos) v Sandy Bay (private schools, my daddy's a lawyer and we own a helicopter) in an U/16 game, 1994. We were up by 20 points late in the third in what was a surprise to most as we hadn't won a game all year. Sandy Bay cry foul and call us for having 19 players on the field. The game stops for a head count and is it turned out; Sandy Bay were guilty of having too many on the field.

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As this was being discussed, one of our players (who had somehow got away with wearing a plaster cast underneath a long sleeve jumper) charged an opposition player and knocked him out cold with a donk to the forehead! The result? The private school fathers removing their watches and jackets before charging the field for retaliation and once our dads had properly fitted their knuckle dusters, they too were on the field. 

The only other time I've seen more punches thrown in a public place was when Mark Riccuito single handedly belted the entire Port Adelaide Football Club at the Ramsgate Hotel back in 2000. I don't know how this incident got 30 words in the Advertiser the next day, but I do  know this; if I walk down the street and make negligent contact with an umpire whilst screaming:

"YOU ARE RUINING THE GAME WITH YOUR INABILITY TO GET YOUR HEAD AROUND THIS SLIDING RULE AND PAYING 50M PENALTIES FOR PLAYERS INVADING OTHERS SPACE AND PLAYERS NO LONGER PLAYING THE WHISTLE BECAUSE OF YOUR INCONSISTANCIES WITH THE ADVANTAGE RULE AND WHY ARE YOU CRYING!?"

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Not only would I need to take a giant breathe afterwards, but I would also be charged with common assault and chased down the street by a Today Tonight journalist.

After whacking the journalist, my charges would be increased to more common assault and a public stoning (much like college) and the incident would make that 20 to 1 TV show "Moments of Madness" where Bert Newton gets former Big Brother contestants/so called celebrities to make gags on incidents like mine.

If I walked away with a $2100 fine from the ensuing court case and no jail time, my legal aid lawyer, Denis Denuto, could activate his "no win no pay" policy, because this is a big win and would result in enough funds to get his photocopier fixed.

Stephen Milne, on the other hand, must have employed Johnnie Cochran to enforce the "Chewbacca Defence" in his face gouging charge.

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The fact that players like Jack Ziebell – genuine ball watchers – can receive 4 week suspensions for incidents that are an integral part of our game and Milne can scratch and gouge at a defenceless player's face and only receive a week is a farce. Honestly, I can't get my head around it.

This is the type of action that brings our game into disrepute and a much harsher penalty should have been handed down on Milne. Reward the ball hunters and punish anyone that is intentionally causing harm to others.

There is no room in our game for this sort of cheap shot. I would much rather see two blokes go toe to toe - insert mental image of Lynch v Wakelin – at least both players have an equal chance of defending themselves.

Courtney Dempsey was stuck in a tackle and had no chance at stopping Milne from being the "tip rat" that James Brayshaw has made him famous for.

I had a night at the MCG, some time ago, where I was forced into drinking spirits with a group of mates. I say forced, because the only other option was to swallow mid-strength beer and that is like drinking milk straight from the teet of a possum.

Off topic slightly, but how is it possible that you can get a full strength Vodka at the G, but not a full strength beer? Like most beer drinkers, if I even sniff a spirit, my pants are being worn as a hat and impromptu renditions of the Macarena are performed. So, on this night, we were seated in the heart of the Collingwood cheer squad which meant two things for me:

1. Wearing my pants on my head and performing the Macarena whilst standing on a chair. This meant that my behaviour was rewarded by security staff as that of a sane person;

2. I had the opportunity to witness the abuse Stephen Milne gets from opposition supporters. I may have had a crack myself, but again, quite tame in comparison to what was dished by new found Collingwood friends. I can't believe he didn't jump the fence and rip faces off. I've never heard anything like it. Remarkable.

I guess there are always two sides to the story and you can possibly see why Milne is capable of questionable behaviour. When he has a bad night, his level of frustration obviously reaches boiling point and he acts out in a manner that I'm sure he regrets. We have all been down this path. I now regret stealing a child's football on the way out of the G that night.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Knicks go Two-up against Celtics

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Two-up ... Knicks guard J.R. Smith celebrates the win over Boston. Source: Kathy Willens / AAP

The New York Knicks have talent. Boston has grit. Boston has old time street-smarts, and they have aging superstars whose play is now more efficient than explosive.

Kevin Garnett got the scoring going, and Paul Pierce picked up where he left off, a 26-11 second half run that gave Boston a commanding lead.

But if the third quarter truly is the championship quarter, and talent really does win out in the end, then New York will win this series, and it's why they won game two, 87-71.

"We got stops and Raymond (Felton) did a great job of really pushing it and getting us into something," New York coach Mike Woodson.

"The ball moved side to side and guys were able to make shots... we finally hit our stride in the third quarter."

It's hard to isolate one player in particular who made the difference for the Knicks, but J.R. Smith - who received his Sixth Man award pre-game - provided the punctuation.

Big shots at the end of the first quarter got the crowd going; he then pushed the lead to 15 with a minute left in the third and hit a game-sealing jumper with eight minutes remaining on the clock.

"Never thought i'd get a standing ovation at the garden. In the past I've said I wanted to be in the starting five, but I'm happy with my role now. It's all about the team and that's the most important thing," said Smith.

His 19 points was important to the cause, but he praised veteran teammate, Kenyon Martin, for the four blocks and 11 rebounds, which stifled Boston's offence, forcing their field goal percentage to plummet from a robust 59%, to an anaemic 37% by game's end.

"The way K-Mart got us into it ... his defence, got the rest of us into it, got us all going"

Martin smirked when the media gave him praise but did show his appreciation for the home fans support, and found his voice when discussing his team's championship motivation.

"I think guys know what's at stake, we put ourselves in a great position getting the 2 seed. Now it's all about winning a championship, we're not afraid, we're coming out, playing hard, that's all it is," Martin said.

Celtics' coach Doc Rivers said of Martin's presence, "He's been great, good with his hands... Every time they bring someone in, they keep getting older and older and better and better."

Mike Woodson was determined not to show any satisfaction with their 2-0 lead, when talk switched to going back to Boston for game three.

"They got some wonderful fans, just like we do. We got to go in and play solid. You got to play perfect basketball to win on the road," said Woodson.

As for Woodson's opposite number, he was happy to exhibit his eagerness when game three came up, "We're going back to Boston." A big smile on his face, Rivers paused to savour the words. "And that's the truth. I'm positive the series has started, we're down 2-0!"

Garnett too can't wait for game three, "Emotions are going to be high, we're looking forward to going back to Boston. We haven't been home since it all happened, so really looking forward to getting home."

Fox Sports News and Foxsports.com.au will have you covered, as Jeremy Hartcher heads to Boston for what is a must watch game three at the TD Garden.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

What is sport's dirtiest act?

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Hallf of shame ... Luis Suarez, Zinedine Zidane, Danny Williams and John Hopoate. Source:FOX SPORTS

Luis Suarez just seems to court controversy wherever he goes, and his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic saw him hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons again this week.

It was the second time the enigmatic striker has bitten an opponent in his career, and got us thinking: what are the dirtiest acts seen in sport?

We've picked eight, from John Hopoate's bizarre way of unsettling opponents to a headbutting Frenchman.

Let us know which is the worst by voting in our poll below.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eels sign English pair to NRL deals

Parramatta bound ... English international forward Lee Mossop. Source: EMPICS Sport / AAP

Parramatta have confirmed that English international forwards Gareth Hock and Lee Mossop will join the NRL club next season on two-year deals.

The Eels, who had been negotiating with their Super League club Wigan for some time, released a statement on Tuesday night stating the pair had agreed to join Ricky Stuart's side from the start of 2014.

Experienced second-rower Hock, who is currently on loan at Widnes, and 24-year-old prop Mossop will add grunt to an Eels side that has shown promising signs this season after picking up the wooden spoon last year.

The 29-year-old Hock has played a total of eight Tests for England and Great Britain and is renowned as one of Super League's most aggressive players.

"Playing in the NRL is the biggest challenge you can have in rugby league, playing against the best week in week out,'' said Hock, who has made 135 appearances for Wigan.

"Adrian Morley is a good friend of mine and he has told me Ricky Stuart's coaching style will suit the type of player I am, so I am really excited about coming on board."

Mossop is regarded as one of the rising stars of the Super League that led to him earning his first three Test caps for England last year against France and Wales.

"I have always aspired to one day playing in the NRL and the fact that my dream has become a reality with a team with such a rich history like Parramatta is an added bonus," said Mossop.

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Scott pledges to stand by Menzel

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Support ... Daniel Menzel has the full backing of the Cats.

The shattering news about Daniel Menzel's knee injury made Monday the toughest day of Geelong coach Chris Scott's time in the AFL.

Scans have confirmed the worst, with Menzel suffering a rupture to the LARS surgery graft in his left knee.

It means he faces a fourth reconstruction.

"Without wanting to exaggerate, I think it was the hardest day I've ever had in footy,'' Scott said.

"It's devastating for all of us.

"Right at the moment, we as a football club are all for one.''

While Scott stressed the club's support for Menzel, it is unclear whether he will try to make another football comeback.

"It's really hard to comment on what's going to happen from here, because we've got to do all the investigations required and sit down with Dan and go through the pros and cons of every option,'' Scott said.

He added that would happen over the next few days.

Menzel, 21, has played 21 senior games since his 2010 debut and is probably the most talented of the Cats' strong crop of young players.

His first reconstruction came after the 2011 qualifying final win over Hawthorn and he has not played senior football since.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mariners grab famous ACL victory

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Mariners ... secure a famous Asian Champions League victory in South Korea. Source:AFP

Central Coast Mariners celebrated for the second time in three days on Tuesday night when a Michael McGlinchey goal earned the A-League champions a 1-0 Asian Champions League win over Suwon Bluewings in South Korea.

The result put the Mariners on course for a spot in the next round of the ACL with one match remaining in Gosford next Tuesday.

Substitute McGlinchey slipped an 80th-minute shot under Suwon goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong to give his side their first away win in the competition just two days after Sunday's breakthrough 2-0 grand final win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Group H		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Kashiwa	5	3	2	0	7	11
2	Central Coast	5	2	1	2	-1	7
3	Guizhou	5	1	2	2	-1	5
4	Suwon	5	0	3	2	-5	3

The Mariners could now advance to the knock-out stages for the first time in three attempts even if they lose their final Group H match against already qualified Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, who drew 1-1 with Guizhou in Tuesday's other match.

The Mariners now have seven points and another win would ensure progression given they're two points ahead of third-placed Guizhou Renhe, the Chinese team who host Suwon in the last round.

Central Coast were reasonably untroubled at Suwon World Cup Stadium despite the drain of a second game in three days, with North Korea striker Jong Tae-Se blazing his side's best effort over the bar with about 15 minutes left.

	Central Coast vs Kashiwa Bluetongue Stadium
All times are listed in EST

Nick Montgomery, one of just four changes to the Mariners side, chased tirelessly in the defensive midfield role usually occupied by captain John Hutchinson.

Mile Sterjovski, Patrick Zwaanswijk and McGlinchey were also omitted but all made it onto the pitch in the second half despite their exertions in Sydney on Sunday.

The only real sign of tired legs was the occasional late challenge such as the ankle-high foul by Pedj Bojic just before halftime.

Fitzgerald had an opening at the start of the second half after being put through on the left of the area but hit the side netting with a shot from a narrow angle when a pass across the box looked to be a better option.

The game breaker eventually came with 10 minutes remaining, McGlinchey racing onto a pass out to the left and carrying the ball into the area.

Jung Sung-Ryong got his hands to McGlinchey's right-foot shot but couldn't prevent it going in.

The Bluewings, who can no longer qualify for the next stage, offered little despite a line-up featuring Jong, well-travelled Australian defender Eddy Bosnar and Macedonia striker Stevica Ristic.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ref suing over testicle attack

A Kenyan referee is suing the national football federation, saying he was left impotent after a coach grabbed and squeezed his testicles in a pitch invasion.

Referee Martin Wekesa said he was seeking $US240,000 ($A235,000) in compensation from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after the alleged assault in a game in September last year.

He claims he was kicked and hit by members of the Sparki Youth team before being "attacked in my private parts" by one of the coaching staff.

Wekesa said Daudi Kajembe came onto the field and assaulted him after a decision to send a Sparki player off.

"He pulled my testicles. He actually pressed them and I was hanging on him when he was pulling me. I was crying and could not get myself out from his hands," Wekesa said. "I remember Kajembe told me, raising his hand, 'I can kill you in a minute,' and came directly to my testicles."

Wekesa was rescued by a police officer, he said, but slumped to his knees in pain on the pitch before being taken to the hospital. He is now unable to have sex with his wife, he claims, saying it is "impossible."

"It is so painful, painful, painful in my areas," he said.

Kajembe is due to appear in court in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa on Thursday on a charge of assault and causing grievous bodily harm, while Wekesa is claiming the 20 million Kenyan shillings in compensation from the federation for his expensive medical bills and the problems the assault has caused him and his wife, Mary.

"We used to live as wife and husband. Nowadays we don't, so that's how the life has changed," Mary Wekesa said.

The referee said he had sent a letter to the Kenyan federation to demand the compensation, but had not yet heard back.

Kajembe pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Suarez bites, Liverpool say fine

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Future uncertain ... Liverpool fine striker Luis Suarez. Source: Peter Byrne / AAP

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been fined and will donate the money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group following the Uruguayan's shocking bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

February 2007

Makes international debut for Uruguay against Colombia but is sent off late in the game after receiving a second caution for dissent.

November 2007

Having joined Ajax from Uruguayan club Nacional, he is suspended after a half-time changing room row with team-mate Albert Luque.

July 2010

Sent off in Uruguay's World Cup quarter-final with Ghana for preventing Ghana from scoring a last-minute goal by handling the ball on the line. Enthusiastically celebrates Asamoah Gyan's subsequent penalty miss from the sidelines before Uruguay go through to the semi-finals on penalties.

November 2010

Given a seven-game suspension by the Dutch Football Association and fined by Ajax for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder during a league match.

October 2011

Now at Liverpool, he causes controversy with a dive that results in a red card for Everton's Jack Rodwell in the Merseyside derby.

Accused of racially abusing Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra during a Premier League match, for which he later receives an eight-match ban and a fine.

December 2011

Handed a further one-match ban after making an offensive hand gesture towards Fulham supporters.

February 2012

Sparks controversy again after refusing to shake Evra's hand as United and Liverpool line-up prior to kick-off in a game at Old Trafford.

October 2012

Celebrates a goal against Everton with a comedy dive in front of Toffees manager David Moyes, who had claimed "divers'' like Suarez were turning people away from the game.

January 2013

Handles the ball prior to scoring the winning goal in Liverpool's 2-1 victory at non-league Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers warns Suarez could face punishment from the club after admitting he dived to try to win a penalty against Stoke.

March 2013: 

Suárez appears to punch the Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara after tussle in a World Cup qualifier for Uruguay. Still could face retrospective action.

 

Suarez sunk his teeth into Ivanovic's right arm during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.

The ugly incident has sparked widespread condemnation of Suarez and both the player and Liverpool were forced to apologise, while Reds manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his star forward's actions were unacceptable.

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Suarez is likely to face a lengthy ban from the Football Association for his actions, but Liverpool have already punished the 26-year-old with a fine, which he will give to the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in a terrace crush before an FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough in 1989.

Last Monday's 24th anniversary of the tragedy was marked by a memorial service at Anfield which Suarez and his teammates attended.

"For my unacceptable behaviour yesterday the club has fined me today,'' Suarez wrote on Twitter on Monday.

"I have asked the club to donate the money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group for the inconvenience I have created to the Liverpool fans and to Ivanovic.''

As referee Kevin Friend missed the incident, Suarez is likely to be punished with a retrospective Football Association suspension, but some pundits, including former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness, believe it could be time for the club to cut ties with Suarez as he is damaging their reputation.

Suarez's latest controversy has forced Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre to cancel a trip to Australia and the Far East to deal with the fall-out.

But Ayre is adamant Liverpool will not bow to outside pressure to sell Suarez at the end of the season.

''It affects his future in the sense that we have to work with him on his discipline, but Luis is a very important player to the club,'' Ian Ayre said.

''He's a very popular player with his teammates. As we keep saying, he signed a new four-year contract last summer and we'd all love to see him here throughout that contract.

''He's a fantastic player, top scorer and everything we'd want in a striker, so there's no change there. This is more about getting him back on the right track.''

Suarez has a long list of previous misdemeanours even before joining Liverpool from Ajax in January 2011 and it is not the first time he has been in trouble for biting.

But, responding to calls for Suarez to be kicked out of English football, Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor revealed the players' union would offer anger management counselling to deal with his temper.

''There is no doubting his football ability, that's why it is so disappointing and embarrassing when he lets himself down,'' Taylor said.

''We have to work hard on anger management now. We have trained counselors in this field and we will be offering their services to Liverpool and the player to try to improve matters.''

In November 2010, Suarez was banned for seven matches and dubbed the 'Cannibal of Ajax' after biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal.

In December 2011, he was banned for eight matches and fined 40,000 euros ($A58,000) after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Then just a few weeks later he received a one-match ban for making an offensive gesture to Fulham fans and in February 2012 he refused to shake hands with Evra when Liverpool faced United at Old Trafford.

[View the story "World unites in Suarez mockery, Luis fined by Reds" on Storify]

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