International

Jerry van Staa of amateur club DETO was suspended by the Dutch FA (KNVB) for allegedly leaving teeth marks that were photographed and put on Facebook.
     The alleged victim, Thomas Smedema, posted the photo, stating: "During the derby against DETO a player bit me in the back.
     "A lowly and cowardly deed.
     "His coach and the referee were not brave enough to take him off the field. Such a person has no place on the football field."
     However, Van Staa has already responded to the accusation by telling newspaper De Twentsche Courant Tubantia that he fell into Smedema's back after being pushed.
     "He then turned around and punched me," he said.
     Van Staa is to appeal against his 10-match ban but the excuse could fall on deaf KNVB ears.
     It is an excuse football has heard before. When Luis Suarez was caught biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini in the World Cup last summer, he sensationally tried to avoid blame.
     "I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent," Suarez told Fifa.
     "At that moment, I hit my face against the player, leaving a small bruise on my cheek and a strong pain in my teeth."