The governing body say that they will stand by the Liverpool forward over allegations he punched an opponent during their Word Cup Qualifier against Chile in March

The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) insist they will defend striker Luis Suarez in the latest controversy surrounding the Liverpool talisman, after claims he punched an opposing player during a World Cup qualifier.

The incident occured 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 isn’t 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.