The World Cup bite heard 'round the globe could earn Uruguay's Luis Suarez a ban from the worldwide soccer tournament if officials determine that he did, indeed, chomp on Italy star Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder during Tuesday's match.
The alleged assault happened just minutes before Uruguay's Diego Godin scored the country's winning goal, wrapping up the team's spot in the
knockout round with a 1-0 victory, according to USA Today.
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The incident, which surprisingly did not lead to a yellow or red card against Suarez, left Chiellini livid as he pulled down his shirt to show the referee.
Suarez denied the incident, according to the Washington Post.
"These are things that happen on the pitch, we were both in the area, he thrust his shoulder into me," Suarez told reporters in Spanish after the game. "These things happen on the pitch, and we don't have to give them so much (importance)."
Fans, though, find that excuse hard to swallow, because of the talented player's penchant for biting. USA Today reported that Suarez was banned for 10 matches last year after biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, and was also penalized seven games in 2010 for biting another player during FIFA play.
"Did (you) see the bite marks on Chiellini's shoulder?"
Italian coach Cesare Prandelli asked reporters after the match, according to The New York Times. "It's a shame. It's a real shame."
The Times said that Chiellini blamed FIFA for not penalizing Suarez.
"Suarez is a sneak, and he gets away with it because FIFA wants their stars to play in the World Cup," Chiellini charged, per The Times.
FIFA is currently investigating the incident and told Uruguay that the team has until late Wednesday to present evidence in the case. A decision on Suarez's fate is expected before Uruguay's Saturday match against Colombia.
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