The Liverpool forward was spotted by TV cameras appearing to bite the Chelsea star during the two sides’ 2-2 Premier League draw before scoring his late equaliser

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has apologised to Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic for biting him during the two sides’ 2-2 draw at Anfield, admitting that it was “inexcusable behaviour”.

During the second half, the Uruguayan was caught by TV characters sinking his teeth into the Blues man’s arm before later going on to net an injury-time equaliser.

The forward said in a statement: “I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour during our match against Chelsea.

“I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to him personally. I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool for letting them down.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he had reprimanded Suarez over the incident, explaining: “Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this.”

The club’s managing director, Ian Ayre, also made clear his disappointment with the incident and indicated that the club would accept any punishment from the Football Association which may be forthcoming.

“Luis has made an unreserved apology for his actions today,” wrote Ayre.

“His behaviour is not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt and Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down. We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the FA.”

It was an eventful game for Suarez, who had already conceded a penalty earlier in the second half for a handball, which Eden Hazard scored.

Following the match, Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech had disclosed that Ivanovic was “not happy at all” about the incident.

The Chelsea goalkeeper notes his team-mate’s reaction to seemingly being bitten on the arm by the Liverpool forward, who later went on to net an injury-time equaliser

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says that team-mate Branislav Ivanovic is “not happy at all” about the incident in which he appeared to be bitten by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The Czech Republic international feels that, though he did not see the particular altercation, the Uruguayan had been pushing his luck with small offences throughout the game.

“I didn’t see it at the time but people have told me which is surprising,” Cech told BBC Sport. “Suarez always does little fouls and pushes. I saw Branislav’s reaction and he was not happy at all.

“Every time Luis Suarez is close, he pushes defenders around. I was complaining to the referee about it.”

However, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard defended the Uruguayan’s actions in the second half, in which he also gave away a penalty for a handball, which Eden Hazard scored.

“I think it would be an injustice to Luis Suarez to talk about 45 minutes; he has been the best player in the league this season,” the Reds midfielder insisted.

“I think he is the third best player in the world behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“You have two good teams, there is a lot at stake. These games will get spicy.”

The Reds boss refuses to comment on the incident but reveals that the club will be investigating the clash between the Uruguay international and Branislav Ivanovic

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club will review Luis Suarez’s apparent bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during Sunday’s Premier League clash.

The two players came together in the second half, with the Uruguay international grabbing the Serbian’s arm and sinking his teeth into his elbow.

The incident was not spotted by the match officials and Rodgers refused to comment on it but stressed that the club would investigate the alleged bite.

“We’ll review it and look at the video of it and make a comment then,” the Anfield boss told Sky Sports. “I’ve only just come in and seen the opportunities from a football perspective. Until you review it you cannot speak totally of it.”

Rodgers instead looked to highlight his side’s excellent second-half performance, twice coming from behind against the Blues, and felt that the hosts had been on the wrong end of several decisions themselves.

“There were other incidents – the elbow on [Jamie] Carragher by [Fernando] Torres, right on his cheekbone,” he noted, “but until we review [the Suarez bite] I can’t comment. I’ve no thoughts on it.

“I’ve just come in on the back of a terrific second-half performance, where we had to come back.”

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez, making his return to Anfield, was denied a valuable win in the race for the top four following Suarez’s late winner.

Like Rodgers, the Spaniard had not seen the incident and was not able to comment on whether Suarez should even have been on the pitch to score, but was frustrated by the amount of injury time added on.

“I didn’t see anything,” revealed Benitez. “I concentrated on the game.

“It is difficult to explain – minimum six minutes, six minutes 45 [seconds] is difficult. We had the game nearly won, it was a surprise – why six minutes? We don’t know – the rules aren’t clear.”