Luis Suárez has been banned for three matches by Major League Soccer after a spitting incident following the Leagues Cup final on August 31.
The Inter Miami forward was involved in a scuffle on the field, grabbing Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas around the neck and spitting in the direction of a Sounders staff member.
What happened?
The incident occurred after the Seattle Sounders beat Inter Miami 3-0 in the Leagues Cup final.
Footage shows Suárez shouting and then spitting in the direction of a Sounders staff member.
The MLS announced the three-game ban on Monday, meaning Suárez will miss out on league matches against Charlotte FC, DC United, and a rematch with the Sounders.
Why it matters for Luis Suárez
The Uruguayan striker, who is no stranger to controversy, apologized for his actions in an Instagram message last week.
He wrote: “It was a very tense and frustrating moment. Things happened right after the match that shouldn’t have happened, but that doesn’t justify my reaction. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it.”
What comes next?
Inter Miami also apologized for the “altercations” that took place after the final, but did not name Suárez in its statement.
The team said: “These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.”
The 38-year-old Suárez has had a controversial career, serving suspensions for biting an opponent on three occasions.
He was also banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra in 2011.
Suárez will be eligible to return to the field after serving his three-match ban.
The MLS also revoked the credentials of Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart for his role in the post-match melee.
Seattle was fined an undisclosed amount for “misappropriation of credentials.”
Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets avoided punishment after appearing to strike Vargas on the chin during the post-match melee.
The incident has sparked debate about player conduct and sportsmanship in the league.
As the season continues, Suárez will look to regain his form and help Inter Miami succeed in the league.
The team will face challenges without their star forward, but will aim to bounce back from the loss.
Suárez's ban will end on September 23, 2025, after which he will be eligible to play again.
The Uruguayan striker will look to put the incident behind him and focus on his performance on the field.
The league will continue to monitor player conduct and take action when necessary to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all players and staff.