“There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line”. The words of American pianist Oscar Levant.
Perhaps Luis Suarez should use this famous quote in the aftermath of his latest controversial incident.
A brilliant assist, a silly handball, a bite, a last minute equaliser. Yes, this was vintage Suarez in Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Chelsea. The papers have had a field day, but before we delve further into Suarez’s latest move towards outright cannibalism, let’s assess the action.
The first-half was poor, both sides struggling for fluency. Considering that one side was European Champions and the other was meant to be a passing team, the quality on offer was very limited. Chelsea probably edged it and arguably deserved their first half lead, given to them on 26 minutes by Oscar’s near post header from a Juan Mata corner.
Apart from Luis Suarez’s 41st minute shot from close range – assisted by Stewart Downing and parried well by Petr Cech – Liverpool very rarely threatened.
However, the half-time introduction of Daniel Sturridge quickly changed the course of the game. Replacing an ineffective Philippe Coutinho, he slipped a lovely through ball to Steven Gerrard – moments after the opening whistle of the second-half – whose right footed shot was saved by the legs of Petr Cech.
Just a couple of minutes later, Sturridge swivelled brilliantly, sprinted towards goal and let fly a rasping 25 yard effort that crashed off the outside of the right hand post. Liverpool were knocking on the door, and thankfully, they bagged an equaliser whilst on the ascendancy. It was a brilliant goal.
On 52 minutes, a long ball found Stewart Downing, who let the ball drift over his head before he guided a volley backwards to Suarez. Great play, but Suarez’s first time cross – floated just over the top of Branislav Ivanovic’s head – was even better. Daniel Sturridge’s finish was simple, and he guided the ball home left footed.
Anfield was bouncing and the Kop sensed a second goal, but Liverpool went 2-1 behind at a demoralising juncture, just two minutes after their leveller.
A high Juan Mata corner had Liverpool at sixes and sevens (their defending from set pieces was poor throughout) and Suarez inexplicably raised his left arm in his attempts to guide the ball clear. Once the ball had made contact, referee Kevin Friend had no choice but to point to the spot.
Eden Hazard’s penalty was classy: he took his time, strode towards the ball and sent Pepe Reina the wrong way, tucking it neatly into the bottom left hand corner.
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
Luis Suarez had already recorded two assists, and he would continue to be the centre of attention on 69 minutes when he amazingly bit Chelsea stopper Branislav Ivanovic. The incident came when Liverpool were on the attack. Steven Gerrard received the ball on the touchline, whilst Luis Suarez was tightly marked by Ivanovic.
Out of the blue, a red mist descended on the Uruguayan.
He grabbed his opponent and attempted a vicious, almost pre-meditated, bite of the Serbian’s arm. This wasn’t a quick nibble, it was a ravaging that Mike Tyson would be proud of. Indeed, his similarities to Iron Mike are rather uncanny.
The headlines were already being written, but he wasn’t satisfied in terms of his impact on the game. Deep into injury time – 40 seconds after the allotted 6 minutes in fact – Daniel Sturridge’s right wing cross swung perfectly towards Suarez and his close range header was too sharp for Cech to keep out.
It was the last act of a controversial game, but it was Suarez’s bite which dominated Monday morning chats around the office. Only he can explain this bizarre act and the worry now is that it could be one bad headline too many in the context of his Liverpool career. At the very least, he will be forced to make a second grovelling public apology, which is embarrassing enough for the club’s hierarchy.
A bite of an opponent would be extraordinary enough if he hadn’t already tried to sample human flesh. In the season before joining Liverpool, he was given a seven game ban for biting PSV Eindhoven’s Otmal Bakkal.
Downright lunacy, and if his ‘previous’ was already having a detrimental impact on his quest for the Footballer of the Year gong, he can kiss goodbye to any accolades now. It’s such a shame, because this is a magical talent who could grace any footballing arena. But just like the tortured genius of Tyson, Luis Suarez will forever court controversy and unsavoury headlines.
Maybe there is a fine line between genius and sanity.
Meanwhile, we can only hope that his self-inflicted alienation from the rest of English football will not lead to a premature exit from Liverpool Football Club. And what an anti-climax it would be if this proved to be the end.
One thing is certain, we will not see Suarez again this season. Rightly or wrongly, we will miss him dearly.
L4L Man of the Match: Jamie Carragher. The veteran defender provided further evidence that his decision to retire has came one season too soon. His appetite for the game and brilliant marking still allows superb performances, albeit with less consistency.
[ad_pod id=’DFP-MPU’ align=’right’]
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com
Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook
