The Brazil legend believes that Fifa has imposed appropriate sanctions on the Uruguayan and hopes that biting on the pitch is not seen again

Pele has thrown his support behind the punishment Uruguay striker Luis Suarez received following his now infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini.

The Celeste striker was suspended for nine competitive international games and banned from any footbaling activity for four months as well as receiving a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs following the incident in last Tuesday’s game against Italy.

Though some, including Diego Maradona and Chiellini himself, have criticised the severity of the penalty levelled against Suarez, Pele considers it an entirely just response from Fifa.

“Fifa’s decision is good and is correct because it sets an example,” the 73-year-old told Folha de Sao Paulo.

“If he was not sanctioned in this way, such incidents could be repeated. No player can do what Luis Suarez did. I believe that the punishment is fair because the parameter can be used henceforth.”

Pele, who was a World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970, also stressed that he was shocked at Suarez’s bite, the third time the Uruguayan has been found guilty of such an offence.

“We are used to seeing other reactions on the pitch,” the Brazilian continued.

“A header, a nudge … but a bite is really unprecedented.”