Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been banned for eight matches and fined 40,000 pounds after being found guilty of misconduct.
The English FA announced the sanctions on Tuesday, with Suarez having been accused by Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra of racism.
The French full-back had filed a complaint over comments the Uruguay forward was accused to have said during the 1-1 English Premier League draw between United and Liverpool at Anfield on October 15.
Suarez has 14 days to appeal the Independent Regulatory Commission's decision, with the ban suspended until an appeal process has been completed or the 14 days have expired.
A statement on the FA's website read: "An Independent Regulatory Commission has today (Tuesday, 20 December 2011) found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him 40,000 pounds, pending appeal."
The statement said Suarez had been found guilty of using 'insulting words towards Mr Evra', which included 'a reference to Mr Evra's colour'.
The statement also said the Independent Regulatory Commission will provide written reasons for its decision.
Liverpool wasted little time in issuing a response, releasing a statement on their website claiming it was 'extraordinary' Suarez had been found guilty.
"Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him," it read.
"We look forward to the publication of the commission's judgment. We will study the detailed reasons of the commission once they become available, but reserve our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation."
"We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play - including Evra's own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials - heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken."
"LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable - without compromise."
"It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act."
"It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible - certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations."
"Luis himself is of a mixed race family background as his grandfather was black. He has been personally involved since the 2010 World Cup in a charitable project which uses sport to encourage solidarity amongst people of different backgrounds with the central theme that the colour of a person's skin does not matter; they can all play together as a team."
Tweeting shortly after the release of the FA statement, Suarez commented: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I'll keep working!"