Barton, no stranger to controversy himself, wrote on Twitter: "I love Suarez. I love his passion for the game. I would have him on my team everyday of the week. I am also aware you can't defend him here.
"All things considered I'd rather receive a bite than a leg breaking challenge. Whilst he should be punished, it is not the end of the world.
"He's a winner. If that means he occasionally steps over the line between right and wrong, than thats what comes with the territory.
"Nobody's perfect."