Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has been suspended for six games after an incident in the Leagues Cup final. The tournament committee announced the punishment on Friday after Suarez spit at a Seattle Sounders staff member.
The Sounders won the final 3-0 in Seattle. Tempers flared after the match, leading to a scuffle. Suarez’s teammate Sergio Busquets was seen throwing a punch, while defender Tomas Aviles was also involved. Busquets received a two-game suspension, and Aviles was given a three-game ban. Sounders assistant coach Steven Lenhart was suspended for five games for violent conduct.
These bans apply only to future Leagues Cup tournaments, which feature clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX. MLS said it may hand out further discipline, but nothing has been decided yet. Inter Miami will face the Sounders again in league play on September 16.
Suarez apologized on Thursday in a social media post. He admitted he acted wrongly in the heat of the moment and said his actions did not reflect the image he wanted to give. He apologized to his family, club, and fans. Suarez added that the team will focus on finishing the season strongly.
The 38-year-old striker from Uruguay has a long record of misconduct on the field. He has previously been banned three times for biting opponents and once for racial abuse, which he denied. Suarez has scored six goals and provided 10 assists in 22 MLS games this season. He also added three goals and three assists in six Leagues Cup matches.