By LEON ELLIOT

WHILST Luis Suarez’s unprecedented 40-yard goal against Norwich in December characterised the seemingly unlimited talent of the 27-year-old, his career has also been tainted by a darker side.

Whilst the chances are that most strikers sporting the tenacity of Suarez will at one time in their careers face suspension for violent conduct on the field, for Suarez, this isn’t even the first time he has bitten an opponent. Although last season’s bite on Chelsea defender Ivanovic may have been the first of such seen in England, Luis Suarez had already been previously suspended in Ajax for a similar assault. On the front page of the Daily Mirror this week was the story of a young Liverpool fan ‘expelled’ from school for biting a classmate.

Suarez will have by the end of his ban missed 39 games for Uruguay, Ajax and Liverpool as a result of misconduct, and as a professional this is a blatant disregard of responsibility.

Steven Gerrard may hold unparalleled status in the city of Liverpool, but Luis Suarez – in terms of pure football skill – is not far behind. Considering the immense admiration of the Uruguayan, this adds another factor to contemplate. For adults Luis Suarez may never have displayed a moral design for life, but for a child – who sees him for only his actions on the pitch – Suarez has practically demonstrated that biting another person is acceptable.

For the corruption of his figure as a role model alone, Luis Suarez fully deserved of a substantial playing ban.

Only time will tell as to whether the generally well-received punishment bestowed on Suarez for his actions during the Uruguay and Italy match will prove effective.

He has issued an apology to Chiellini, the player he bit, and the ‘entire football family’ and has vowed there will never again be such an incident.

Speculation today is hinting towards a rewarding move to Barcelona for Luis. Perhaps the most disappointing part of this affair is that despite all those being punished – his clubs, his national side, and the fans – Luis Suarez alone seems to get away moderately undamaged.