Anti-racism campaigners have come out in support of the FA after a disciplinary panel found the Liverpool striker guilty of using racially abusive language towards Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The Uruguayan was fined £40,000 and banned for eight games yesterday.

"The FA has shown leadership," said Kick It Out campaign chairman Lord Herman Ouseley.

"It has demonstrated it will not stand for discrimination - something organisations such as FIFA and UEFA should take heed of."

Football Against Racism in Europe's Piara Powar said that the word that Suarez was accused of using towards Evra was "racially offensive".

Liverpool FC said that they were "surprised and disappointed" with the verdict and that they planned to use their right to appeal.

Kenny Dalglish called on fans to support Suarez, saying: "Let's not let him walk alone."

Liverpool have two weeks to appeal the decision, and the striker's ban will not start until after this deadline.