Suarez blasted for saying 'football is for men'

Luis Suarez's fighting talk to Atletico Madrid's FIlipe Luis has fallen foul of many personalities in the game with his suggestion that "football is for men" prompting calls of sexism towards the Barcelona star.

The Uruguayan made this assertion upon learning Luis posted a photo on Instagram of an injury sustained in a tangle with Suarez, but his words have stung much further afield than just Atleti's full-back.

Related: Suarez bites back at Filipe Luis' Instagram complaint

"Football is for men," Suarez told reporters upon learning of Luis' post.

"Everything stays on the pitch. If everyone uploaded what happens (on the pitch to social media accounts) the game would become a circus."

Unfortunately, in the ensuing circus, Suarez is the only clown.

Brenda Perez, a player with Espanyol women, is one of the more notable names to take offence at Suarez's words, and tweeted, with translation from ESPN FC: "We exist, #futfem (football femenino). @LuisSuarez9 I think you should think about your words before you speak. #Piensoluegoexisto (I think therefore I am)."

Santa Teresa Club Deportivo, a women's team from Badajoz near the Portuguese border, also extended an invite to the 29-year-old offering to have him come and watch its representatives playing a sport supposedly reserved for males.

"I just found out about the interest in this," said Barcelona manager Luis Enrique when asked about his forward's words being viewed as sexist.

"I'm sure Luis didn't mean to offend anyone, but it's clear that in this world misinterpretations are the order of the day."

Suarez has been embroiled in several controversies during his career, including three incidents of biting and alleged racial abuse of then-Manchester United man Patrice Evra.

Barcelona returns to domestic duty with a trip to Sporting Gijon in Saturday's slate of La Liga fixtures.