Spanish forward Iago Aspas has come to the defense of his former Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez after the striker was handed a four-month ban for his bite on Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup, saying he was treated as a murderer.
The Uruguayan striker, who moved from the Merseyside club to Barcelona, fond himself embroiled in controversy after sinking his teeth into an opposing player for the third time, in his nation's match against Italy.
The 27-year-old was later given a nine-match ban from international games as the player will be forced to stay away from "footballing activities" while serving out his punishment.
Luis Suarez has been treated like a murderer, says former Liverpool team-mate Iago Aspas
Aspas, who played the 2013-14 season alongside Suarez at Anfield, and is now currently on loan with La Liga side Sevilla, stressed football's governing body treated Suarez unfairly, saying:
"They are treating Luis like a murderer and not like a footballer," argued Aspas.
"I understand his nine-game international ban because of the incidents that took place in the past, but the rest of the sanction is too much in my opinion."
The Uruguayan received a four-month ban after biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during their respective nations encounter at the World Cup in Brazil
Keeping him from playing for his new club Barcelona
Suarez's punishment has blocked the Blaugrana from unveiling the Uruguayan, who moved to Camp Nou on a £75m fee, as Barcelona's number 9 can only make his return to play no earlier than October 26.