Chiellini accepts Suarez apology and asks for ban reduction

Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini has accepted Luis Suarez's apology and says he hopes FIFA reduce the Uruguayan's four-month suspension.

Suarez has said sorry for the first time since biting the Italian defender, with reports in Spain suggesting Barcelona had informed Suarez’s advisers that he needed to issue a public apology prior to them tabling an offer.

And Chiellini - who previously described the ban as "excessive" - has taken to Twitter to accept Suarez's show of contrition.

"It's all forgotten," Chiellini tweeted. "I hope FIFA will reduce your suspension."

The striker had posted: "I deeply regret what occurred. I apologize to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this.