Fred jumps to Suarez's defence

Brazil striker Fred said the four-month ban for biting handed down to Uruguay's Luis Suarez could "ruin his livelihood."

"You can't deny that he committed a mistake, but as a player and a human being who sometimes takes things to heart, I think (the ban) is too severe," Fred said at a press conference in Teresopolis in a rare show of unity between the old South American rivals.

"The majority of people I have spoken to about it think it is fair but it is a punishment that could ruin his livelihood.

"I think he has to be punished, but I would really like to see him continue playing in this World Cup in Brazil."