The Spanish striker, who played with the Uruguayan at Ajax, has defended his former team-mate’s character and feels the incident has been blown out of proportion

Albert Luque has backed Liverpool’s Luis Suarez as the fall-out from his bite on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic rumbles on.

Uruguay international Suarez has accepted a charge of violent conduct from the Football Association and is expected to be issued with a lengthy ban which could well end his season.

Former Ajax and Deportivo la Coruna striker Luque, who spent two years with Suarez at the Amsterdam Arena, was involved in a dressing room altercation with the striker in his time in the Dutch Capital, but believes Suarez is a misunderstood character.

He told The Metro: “We were good friends before and after this incident and it was the only time I ever had a problem with him. He is a good guy, and we all make mistakes.

“He fights for everything, he’s very physical, and what happened with Ivanovic was unfortunate, but I’m sure he didn’t do it with any bad intentions or in bad faith.”

Suarez was banned for seven games for committing a similar offence against PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal in November 2010 – an act which spelled the end of his time in the Netherlands.

But although many have called for Liverpool to sell the controversial forward, Luque believes that would be a mistake on the part of the Merseyside club.

“In the Premier League everything is exaggerated a lot and perhaps this is getting more coverage because it’s not the first time something like this has happened to Luis,” he added.

“There’s no need to give more importance to it. He has said sorry and that’s for the better. It is just an anecdote.

“If he left Liverpool they would find it tough to find someone of the same quality as him.”

The influential Reds midfielder is “delighted” after being rewarded for his loyalty to the club with a match against the team he scored one of his most famous and valuable goals

Liverpool have announced that Steven Gerrard is to be rewarded for his loyalty to the club with a testimonial match against Olympiakos.

The match against the Greek giants – who Gerrard dramatically netted against in the knockout stages of Liverpool’s triumphant 2004-05 Champions League campaign – will take place on August 3 at Anfield.

“I am delighted to be honoured by Liverpool with a testimonial match and particularly thrilled that Olympiakos have accepted my invitation to play the fixture,” Gerrard told the club’s official website.

“Last time we met proved to be such a memorable game both for me personally and Liverpool.

“I am also especially grateful that Olympiakos have truly embraced the aim of this match and chosen to donate their fee to charity. I am looking forward to what I know will be a fantastic game and a wonderful occasion.”

Liverpool will give a portion of the money raised from the match to The Steven Gerrard Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged youngsters, with Olympiakos opting to donate their appearance fee to local Greek charities.

The Liverpool striker was given until 18:00BST to respond to the charge following his attack on the Chelsea defender, but opted against contesting the decision

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has accepted a Football Association charge for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during Sunday’s match at Anfield.

However, the Uruguayan is disputing that the offence is worth more than the standard three-game suspension, and his punishment will be decided by an Independent Regulatory Commission at a hearing on Wednesday.

Referee Kevin Friend did not see the incident, which occurred during the second half at Anfield, thereby enabling the FA to retrospectively review it and open disciplinary proceedings.

Suarez was widely condemned after the match and later issued an official apology, while Ivanovic indicated to police that he has no desire to press charges.

The Uruguayan received a seven-game ban in November 2010 for biting PSV midfielder Otman Bakkal while at Ajax.