TERESÓPOLIS (AFP) — Brazil striker Fred said on Thursday the lengthy ban for biting handed down to Uruguay’s Luis Suarez could “ruin his livelihood.”

“You can’t deny that he committed a mistake, but as a player and a human being who sometimes takes things to heart, I think (the ban) is too severe,” said Fred at a press conference in Teresopolis in a rare show of unity between the old South American rivals.

“The majority of people I have spoken to about it think it is fair but it is a punishment that could ruin his livelihood.

“I think he has to be punished, but I would really like to see him continue playing in this World Cup in Brazil.”

FIFA announced on Thursday morning that Suarez would be banned from all football-related activity for four months while also having to sit out his country’s next nine matches and pay a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000).

The 27-year-old striker was found guilty of biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini as the two challenged for the ball during Uruguay’s 1-0 win on Tuesday.