Decision delayed on Suarez-Evra race case

The English Football Association has been unable to reach a decision on the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra race case. After hearing two days of evidence from both parties, the three-man FA panel was expected to deliver a verdict Friday but instead issued the following statement on its website.

"The Independent Regulatory Commission has confirmed there will be no decision this evening and will continue working through the weekend. There will be no announcement on any decision before Tuesday 20 December 2011 at the earliest."

Evra, who is black, claimed that Suarez directed a racial insult at him during Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Liverpool in October in the Premier League.

Following a monthlong investigation, Suarez was charged by the FA with using "abusive'' and "insulting'' language that "included a reference to the ethnic origin (and) color'' of Evra.

The 24-year-old Suarez has vehemently denied the allegations and has been backed by Liverpool throughout the investigation.