LUIS SUAREZ could face a lengthy international ban after appearing to PUNCH an opponent while playing for Uruguay.

LUIS SUAREZ could face a lengthy international ban after appearing to PUNCH an opponent while playing for Uruguay. The Liverpool striker was jostling with Nottingham Forest defender Gonzalo Jara during his country’s 2-0 defeat in Chile when he struck out with his fist. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana took no action at the time but did book Suarez for protesting about a decision later in the game. That yellow card means he will miss their next World Cup qualifier with Venezuela. Uruguay face an uphill battle to qualifier for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They sit two points off a fifth-placed play-off spot in the South American qualifying table.