ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:LIVERPOOL STRIKER Luis Suarez has been charged with improper conduct following an alleged gesture he made towards Fulham fans on Monday night, the English Football Association announced yesterday.

The incident was captured by photographers as the Uruguayan left the pitch at the end of Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat, and he has until 4pm on Monday to respond to the charge.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been charged by the FA with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the controversial sending-off of Jay Spearing in the second half.

Liverpool’s players reacted angrily after Spearing was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Friend for a tackle on Moussa Dembele in the 72nd minute. Fulham won the game thanks to a late Clint Dempsey strike.

Liverpool, who have opted not to appeal against the decision, also have until 4pm on Monday to decide whether they will contest the charge.

A short statement on Liverpool’s website last night read: “Liverpool FC today received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge both the club and Luis Suarez following the game against Fulham.

“The club will take the appropriate time to properly review the documentation sent to us before making any further comment.”

The news is another blow for Suarez, who is currently preparing his defence against a charge of making racist comments to Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. The French full-back alleged Suarez racially abused him during a 1-1 draw at Anfield in October and, after a lengthy investigation, the FA decided he did have a case to answer.

Suarez denies the allegations and is being fully supported by Liverpool in fighting the charge.

Manager Kenny Dalglish defended his player on Monday evening after Suarez was targeted with taunts of “cheat” by Fulham fans, who felt the striker went to ground too easily when challenged.

Dalglish described the chants as “scandalous”, and added: “At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a bit of protection from some people.”

At the time Dalglish said he was unaware of the allegations concerning the gesture, saying: “I’ve not seen the picture and I am not taking anybody’s word for it.

“But until you have proved it is true to me, I won’t comment.”