The president of the Uruguayan Football Association, Sebastian Bauza, believes that rival clubs are "jealous" of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's ability.
The 26-year-old, who has a negative reputation in England, is expected to return to action against Manchester United in the League Cup this evening following a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
"I'm fully aware of the atmosphere with referees, as in the end they're also football people and I can assure you that Suarez is an idol on and off the pitch and even the referees themselves admire him, as they're conscious of all the blows he receives in every game," Bauza told Goal.com.
"In English football, Liverpool's rivals are jealous because they don't have a player of Suarez's class, as he's one of the best strikers in the world."
As well as biting Ivanovic back in April, the controversial forward was also banned for racially abusing Patrice Evra in 2011.
Danielle Joynson
