THE FA has confirmed that as of 7pm last night, kicking Luis Suarez is no longer a punishable offence.

The nibbly striker has been the cause of several bookings this season after players have kicked him, including yesterdays red card against Paulinho, which many supporters feel is against the spirit of the game.

FA spokesman Tom Logan said: Well keep it to just kicking him as hard as anyone likes for now but if he doesnt get the picture then well legalise biting him a bit as well.

The Uruguayan will appeal against the FAs ruling later this week but their lawyers have defended the decision on the basis they made it as a friendly, conciliatory gesture.

The FA will also send Suarez a basket of apples with a note asking how he likes them.

Similar previous measures have been used by the FA, such as the now-defunct 2002 ruling that required all references to Robbie Savage, both on and off the pitch, to be prefaced with the phrase that arsehole.

Match of the Day has supported the move, with the show launching a Hoofing Suarez in the nuts of the month’ competition.