Suárez bites the hand that feeds him. Again. (Updated)

*Updated below

Before today Liverpool FC’s biggest problem was whether they could prevent Luis Suárez departing this summer.

The guy is more than a genius; he’s a hard-working genius. They’re not common. Unfortunately for his employer, Liverpool Football Club, his manager, Carnlough’s Brendan Rogers and, not least, his opponent, Branislav Ivanovic, the reason he’s known as The Cannibal in Holland became clear this afternoon.

One bitten opponent later and LFC’s biggest problem is whether they can justify not forcing his exit.

Like Suárez’s employers, the Boston Red Sox owners, I watched today’s game on US television. The “verdict” of the US panel: Liverpool must fire him.

Harsh?

I’m not sure measured responses matter so much to these owners as the negative coverage itself -and Suárez keeps supplying it. If this is the Americans’ primary lens, Sureaz is gone.

Prior to this afternoon I considered it churlish for anyone to even propose any player not named Luis Suárez as the rightful Player of the Year in England. Now – well, what a shame. Self-sabotage I believe the shrinks call it.

But hey, if Eric Cantona and Man Utd survived his entering the stands to administer street justice to an abusive fan, then, perhaps, this is ‘survivable’ too.

That survival starts with getting in front of this story. Suárez must make a contrite public confession and apology – tonight.

Whether the game can afford to keep him is a different debate.

Thoughts?

*Update

The Guardian reports:
“I’m sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologize Ivanovic and all football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I’m so sorry about it!!

Twitter? Not exactly what I had in mind. Before it’s too late:

1. Get in front of a camera (dress humbly)
2. Get your manager alongside you
3. Consider wearing eye drops
4. Mention how you’ve been inspired by your charity work to better your ways.

By apologizing on Twitter you’ve played your only card weakly – you’re apologizing as an isolated individual, you need to apologize as an employee – makes it harder for them to take you on.

You don’t have long left until you’ve lost all control over the narrative.

**Update II

Still not the press event they need(ed) but better than Twitter:
Liverpool Football Club has the following response to the incident that occurred during today’s game at Anfield:

From the Official LFC Website:

Luis Suarez said: “I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea.

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

The club’s managing director Ian Ayre commented: “Luis has made an unreserved apology for his actions today.

“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.”

Brendan Rodgers added: “Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this.”