Giorgio Chiellini says Luis Suarez’s ban for biting him at World Cup was ‘excessive’
Striker was hit with a four-month football ban – which included even entering a stadium – and a nine-match international ban
GIORGIO CHIELLINI reckons Luis Suarez's ban for biting him was "excessive" – and would swap shirts with the Barcelona star if they cross paths again.
Suarez sunk his teeth into the defender at the 2014 World Cup as Uruguay qualified for the knockout stages at Italy's expense with a 1-0 win.
Striker Suarez was hit with a four-month football ban – which included even entering a stadium – and a nine-match international suspension that meant he did not play for his country until 21 months later.
While his ban from football did not stop Suarez securing a £75million move from Liverpool to Barca later that summer, it did mean he was ruled out of a last-16 showdown with Colombia that Uruguay lost 2-0.
It was the third time that Suarez has been banned for biting following his chew on ex-Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013 and another incident with PSV's Otman Bakkal in November 2010.
While there was not much sympathy from football fans across the planet, Juventus legend Chiellini said at the time he felt the ban was a bit strong.
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Now, in an interview with , Chiellini has opened up again over Suarez's bite on him.
And he insists he would even take Suarez's shirt should they meet again, with that possibility still alive in this season's Champions League.
Juve host Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg tonight, with Barca at home to Roma tomorrow.
Chiellini, 33, said: "I have crossed Suarez on the field and it was a pleasure, because he is a great forward and that always means a challenge.
"I would like to swap my shirt with him.
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"His sanction, with the penalty of not being able to enter the stadiums, seemed excessive to me.
"He was exemplary for what the World Cup means."
