The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) say they will defend Luis Suarez after claims he punched an opponent during a World Cup qualifier.
The incident occurred during Chile's 2-0 victory over Suarez's Uruguay in March, when the 26-year-old allegedly threw a punch in the direction of West Brom defender Gonzalo Jara, who is on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Referee Nestor Patana missed the altercation in the penalty area and was therefore unable to react during the match, and though retrospective action is likely to be taken, the AUF are adamant they will stand by their star man.
"Once again we feel Suarez is being persecuted by different football leagues, mainly the English, and we think this is unjust because it's a normal action in football," AUF president Sebastian Bauza told the Comnebol website.
"We will defend him very strongly. We are working with all the videos and pictures showing Suarez reacted to an initial aggression from Jara."
This is not the first time Suarez has been in trouble over the use of his hands, having been sent off during the 2010 World Cup for saving a shot with his hand against Ghana, and he has courted controversy throughout his time at Liverpool.
