I'm worried black players will target Luis after FA ruling, says Suarez's mother

Sandra Diaz insists her son is not racist, but says she is concerned he will be targeted by black players after the FA's ruling.



She said: "I confide in God who is the only judge we have. These type of situations have occurred in many games and nothing's ever happened.



"The truth is that I laugh when they call my son racist. Nothing could be further from the truth."



Speaking to Uruguayan daily El Observador , she said: "We're all waiting to see what happens with the appeal.



"It's a shame because it had been a perfect year for Luis.



"I know my son. I know he has to calm down a bit with things like the salute he made to rival fans. But he's no racist.



"One thing is his conduct on the pitch and another is that they accuse him of being a racist. Nothing could be further from the truth.



"I'm worried now when I see him on the pitch. I know he's going to have to look after himself.



"I'm afraid now when he comes up against a black person, especially because they're going to go looking for him.



"I'm very worried about his future. He has his whole future in front of him and there's a stain on his character.



"I hope this will strengthen his character and serve as a lesson."



Sandra claims his use of the word 'negro' was not intended as an insult.



"Luis was best friends with Pablo [Caballero] when they played for Nacional," she said.



"He was round our house all the time and we always used to call him 'Negro'. It's not an insult here."



She also says the Football Association have gone too far with the length of his ban.



"Liverpool improved and Luis had some very good games. He became very well-known.



"The FA went to town with him by banning him for eight matches."