Goal : The FA have begun the disciplinary hearing into claims that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez racially abused Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
Suarez has been charged with abusing Evra, and referring to his “ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race” by the FA.
The hearing is expected to last for two days with the outcome expected by the end of the week. Both players are due to give evidence to the hearing.
The charge followed a month-long investigation and the Uruguay striker immediately denied the accusation. Liverpool say they remain “fully supportive” of the 24-year-old.
Evra made the claims immediately after the match at Anfield on October 15, telling French TV station Canal Plus that Suarez had used a racist insult to him “at least 10 times”.
If Suarez he is found guilty he could be banned or fined, or both.
Evra said: “There are cameras. You can see him [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times.”
Both players spoke to FA officials during the investigation and there have been suggestions that Suarez was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.
Suarez told Uruguayan media earlier this month: “There is no evidence I said anything racist to him. I said nothing of the sort.