Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has apologised for his “inexcusable behaviour” after biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

The incident happened in the second half of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

“I have tried to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to him personally,” said Suarez, 26.

“I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool for letting them down.”

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers, in a statement released by Liverpool later on Sunday, said: “Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behaviour is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this.”

Blues defender Ivanovic, 29, complained to referee Kevin Friend that he had been bitten on his right arm by Suarez after their clash inside the Chelsea penalty area.

Ian Ayre, the Premier League club’s managing director, added Suarez’s behaviour did not “befit” that of a Liverpool player.

“Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down,” said Ayre, who cancelled a planned trip to Australia to personally handle the fallout.

“We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the Football Association.”

Shortly after the match, Rodgers had said no individual was “bigger than the club” after pledging to review the incident.

“This is a club with incredible values and ethics,” he said. “There’s certainly no-one bigger than this club, a player or manager.

“As football managers, staff and players, we’re representing this club, off the field and in particular on the field.”

It is not the first time this season that Suarez has been criticised by Rodgers, with the former Swansea boss angered by the striker’s admission of diving against Stoke.

“I think it’s wrong – it’s unacceptable,” Rodgers said in January. “Diving is not something we advocate. Our ethics are correct.”

Former Ajax captain Suarez, who scored his 30th goal of the season in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, was also given a seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal in November 2010.

The Uruguayan, who signed for the Reds in January 2011, was recently named on the PFA Player of the Year shortlist.

Professional Footballer’s Association chairman Gordon Taylor believes Suarez will not be excluded from the PFA award but called the situation “embarrassing”.

He told BBC Sport: “It is very depressing and embarrassing that it should happen. If it wasn’t for all the controversies he’s been involved in he would be a more highly regarded player.

“Players are role models and are highly rewarded. This sets such a bad example.”

Read more: BBC