Liverpool's players have released a joint statement defending their teammate Luis Suarez after he was found guilty by the Football Association for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

The 24-year-old has been banned for eight matches and given a £40,000 fine for the incident, which occurred during a match in October.

"Luis Suarez is our teammate and our friend and as a group of players we are shocked and angered that he has been found guilty by the FA," read the statement.

"We totally support Luis and we want the world to know that. We know he is not racist.

"We have lived, trained and played with Luis for almost 12 months and we don't recognise the way he has been portrayed. We will continue to support Luis through this difficult period, and as a popular and respected friend of all his teammates, he will not walk alone."

The Uruguayan has been given two weeks to appeal the decision.