FA starts Suarez hearing

London - The English Football Association (FA) has begun its disciplinary hearing into claims Liverpool striker Luis Suarez racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Evra, who is black, made the allegations in October after United's 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League.

After a month-long investigation, the FA charged Suarez with using "abusive" and "insulting" language toward Evra.

The FA alleges that "this included a reference to the ethnic origin (and) colour" of Evra.

Suarez, a 24-year-old Uruguay international, has denied the allegations and has been backed by Liverpool throughout the investigation.

The hearing is expected to finish by the end of the week, with both players due to give evidence.