Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor believes Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has taken a "massive backward step".

Taylor also feels the sanction handed down by Fifa yesterday should have included a counselling and treatment course for the Liverpool forward to help him with "a trait he has to get rid of".

Fifa punished Suarez with a nine-match suspension and a ban from playing for any team for four months after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during Tuesday's World Cup match.

It is the third time Suarez has been punished for biting opponents, having been banned for seven matches while playing for Ajax in 2010 and 10 matches when at Liverpool last year.

Taylor said: "We felt things had got back on track following his ban with Liverpool, it was up there for everybody to see, but of course this is a massive backward step on the world stage.

"I feel Fifa should have led the way with regard to trying to make sure that this behaviour is just eradicated and insist on there being some serious counselling and treatment for Luis Suarez.

"There's no doubt he's one of the finest players in the world - but this is a trait he has to get rid of.

"It's just not good for him, for any of his club, his country or the game in general and I've not seen that issue addressed either.

"Of course it's not good when you've got somebody of such talent who spoils that talent by such behaviour and that's why I believe it needs looking at in a serious way and that treatment course needs to be part of any sanction I would suggest."

On whether he thinks Liverpool will stick by Suarez amid reports of interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, Taylor added: "They will have to make a decision.

"The size of the reported fee from Barca and Madrid is now a clear establishment for both the club and Luis Suarez, but no club wants to lose its very best players, particularly when they are one of the best in the world.

"But on the other hand neither do you want a player who is going to be suspended if he's got a trait in his character that can't be controlled."

Taylor, though, pointed out that the PFA has been successful in helping players deal with problems regarding mental health, frustration and anger in the past.

He added: "I would suggest we've been successful in about two out of three cases.

"So the odds would be in favour if that was addressed seriously, but of course Luis needs to accept that and be prepared to undertake that."

Liverpool will spend the next few days digesting the implications of Suarez's four-month ban before deciding on their next course of action.

The Anfield outfit's hands are tied at the moment, particularly as they have not been involved in the disciplinary process which means they are now making attempts to ascertain the full details of the process.

In a short statement, chief executive Ian Ayre said: "Liverpool Football Club will wait until we have seen and had time to review the Fifa Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment."

The club are reluctant to comment at greater length until they have pieced together all the parts of the case and subsequent judgement on Suarez.

They have received no documentation from Fifa or the Uruguay Football Association and are, as yet, unaware of what was said in Suarez's defence.

It is understood the club are taking specialist advice - which includes legal counsel - over what they see as an unprecedented incident.

They want to ensure their response is thorough, responsible and calm, and it is likely to be early next week before officials are in a position to comment further.

However, it seems unlikely at this stage that there will be any move to offload Suarez.