TODAY IN HISTORY: Suarez Thrown Out After Biting a Player During World Cup Match

On June 26, 2014, Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez, was suspended for nine matches and fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($111,000) by FIFA after being found guilty of biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match.

The incident occurred late in the game, with television footage capturing the moment Suarez's mouth made contact with Chiellini's shoulder. Suarez's bite drew the rage of many football fans around the world, who not only felt offended but looked up to FIFA to deal with it to avoid a repeat of such behaviour.

Despite the controversy, Uruguay won the match 1-0, advancing to the knockout stage. However, Suarez, one of the world's top forwards, was absent for the remainder of the tournament. While slamming the penalties on Suarez, Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, noted, "Such behavior cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field."

International Day Against Drug Observed

Also, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on this day. The General Assembly had on December 7, 1987, adopted resolution 42/112, designating 26 June as the day to mark the occasion. The decision underscores the Assembly's commitment to intensifying efforts and fostering cooperation to realize a world free from drug abuse.

Every year, anti-drug agencies, communities, and other organizations worldwide mark this day to raise awareness about the significant challenges posed by illicit drugs to society.

Other Key Events on This Day

(1) NDLEA launched WADA (War Against Drug Abuse) to combat rising cases of drug abuse in Nigeria - 2021

(2) Delegates from 50 nations signed the United Nations Charter in San Francisco - 1945

(3) Nelson Mandela and 51 others infringed on South Africa's curfew - 1952

(4) Gunmen ambush Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak but he escaped unharmed - 1995

(5) President Clinton punished Iraq for a plot to kill George H.W. Bush - 1993.