Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has postponed a promotional trip to Australia to deal with the Luis Suarez biting incident.
The forward sunk his teeth into the biceps of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during Liverpool’s 2-2 English Premier League draw on Sunday.
Suarez later apologised to Serbian Ivanovic as Liverpool sought to limit the damage from the latest controversy surrounding the Uruguayan.
But it at least prompted Ayre to cancel a four-day trip to Asia and Australia where he was supposed to be promoting Liverpool’s pre-season tour.
Liverpool play A-League side Melbourne Victory on July 24 and have a friendly in Bangkok four days later. A third game is yet to be confirmed.
“I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea,” Suarez said in a statement.
“I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to him personally. I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for letting them down.”
Later, Suarez confirmed on Twitter that he had been in touch with Ivanovic.
“I’ve just spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him,” he said. “Thanks for accepting.”
Ayre left Anfield before the incident to catch a flight to Asia but turned back from the airport.
“Luis has made an unreserved apology for his actions today,” he said in a statement.
“His behaviour is not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt and Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down. We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the FA.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers, who said he had not seen the incident, warned that poor behaviour could cost a player his place at a club.
“It doesn’t matter who, players are always replaceable no matter how good they think they are,” he said.
“That is how football works. Of course, there are wonderful talents here we’ve seen at this club and others over many years.
“If you ever lose a player that you think you cannot replace, the next one still comes along. The standards at this football club have been met for many years and that’s why it is the worldwide institution that it is.
“The history of this club is about respect and how people are treated. And that is something that will always be maintained here and will always be long after I am gone.”
On his return to Surrey, Ivanovic was spoken to by Surrey police who wanted to see if he was injured and whether he wanted to make a formal complaint. He is understood to have decided not to press charges.
Suarez, who when an Ajax player was banned for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal, is likely to face a lengthy suspension.