Brazil legend Pele has said that the ban handed out to Luis Suarez by FIFA for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini was "correct".

Uruguay's Suarez was handed a nine-game ban for his country, while also being ordered to keep away from footballing activities for four months.

"The decision by FIFA was good and correct because an example had to be made," Pele told reporters, according to Marca.

"If an example is not made at the start, it could be repeated. This example must not be copied by anybody.

"I think it was fair because it serves as a yardstick from now on."

Suarez has since rebutted claims of a bite by stating that he lost his balance and fell into the Italian defender.