Liverpool striker Luis Suarez handed one-match ban for offensive gesture against Fulham

Liverpool's already strained relationship with the FA is set to be put under further pressure following news that Luis Suarez has been handed a one-match ban for making an offensive gesture at Fulham fans during a Premier League game on Dec 5 and will miss Friday's match with Newcastle United.

Controversy: Luis Suarez was seen making inappropriate hand gestures in the direction of Fulham fans as he left the pitch Credit: Photo: JAVIER GARCIA

The Uruguyan has already been hit with an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of misconduct for using racist language towards Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, with Liverpool awaiting official information on the ruling before making a decision on a likely appeal.

Suarez's latest punishment means Liverpool could now be without their star striker for nine matches, if the first of the two bans is upheld.

One-match bans for making obscene gestures are the FA's stock punishment for similar offences. In April last year, Birmingham City right-back Stephen Carr was also suspended for one game after being found guilty of improper conduct.

A statement on the FA website read: "Liverpool player Luis Suarez will begin a one match suspension with immediate effect after he admitted an FA charge of improper conduct in relation to the same game.

"Suarez was also fined £20,000 and warned as to his future conduct following a gesture he made towards the Fulham fans at the end of the fixture."

Liverpool, meanwhile, have also been fined £20,000 for failing to control the behaviour of their players against Fulham.

The FA statement continued: "Liverpool Football Club have been fined £20,000 by The FA and warned as to their future conduct for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the league fixture at Fulham on 5 December 2011.

"The club admitted the charge, which was in relation to the dismissal of Jay Spearing, but did not accept the standard £20,000 penalty for the offence.

"However, at an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [Wednesday 28 December] the fine was imposed."