Uruguay slam Suarez attack

The Uruguayan Football Association has slammed FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce for his comments on Luis Suarez.

The Liverpool striker has come in for heavy criticism in recent weeks for the ease in which he goes down in the area with his theatrical fall against Stoke resulting in calls for him to be suspended.

Boyce labelled Suarez a cheat and claimed diving is like a ‘cancer within the game’ which needs to be stamped out with offenders forced to serve a suspension.

“I watched the latest Suarez incident (against Stoke last weekend) two or three times and to me it is nothing less than a form of cheating,” Boyce said.

“It is becoming a little bit of a cancer within the game and I believe if it is clear to everyone that it is simulation then that person is trying to cheat and they should be severely punished for that.”

The Uruguay FA are angry that Boyce chose to single out Suarez and they have written to FIFA president Sepp Blatter to complain.

“The Uruguay Football Association has become aware of statements made by the vice-president of FIFA, Mr Jim Boyce,” said the letter by the AUF.

“These expressions, refer to the Uruguayan player Luis Suarez, calling his conduct an act of “cheating” and that such a situation is a “cancer” for football.

“We understand that this kind of comment, coming from a person who holds the position of vice-president of FIFA – with specific reference to a football player and linking their actions to a disease that is a scourge on humanity – are at odds with the principles world football governing.

“The Football Association find unacceptable the comments made by this person.

“The Code of Ethics of FIFA clearly states: ‘Officials should be aware of the importance of their role and the obligations and responsibilities that entails’.

“Deliberately ignoring his position and role, Mr Boyce has referred specifically to a football player, encouraging and provoking hostility towards them, especially if one takes into account the environment in which these expressions were made.”