Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Inter Miami star Luis Suárez for three matches after he got into an altercation with a Seattle Sounders staff member after the League Cup final on August 31. As a result, Suárez will miss the club’s rematch with Seattle on September 16.
On September 5, the Leagues Cup organizing committee announced that Suárez would be suspended for a total of six matches from the upcoming Leagues Cup tournament for the incident, but this would only apply to future participation by MLS and Liga MX clubs. The committee noted in a statement that MLS reserves the right to enforce disciplinary measures.
When the Seattle Sounders won the Leagues Cup final with a 3-0 win, the heated atmosphere led to scuffles and shoving between the teams, with Suárez seen spitting as Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets appeared to throw a punch.
Suárez will be ineligible for Miami against three clubs, including Charlotte FC (Sept 13), Seattle Sounders FC (Sept 16), and D.C. United (Sept 20).
Also Read: Leagues Cup Final Ends in Intense Inter Miami vs. Seattle Sounders Clash
Uruguayan player Suárez, who once played for Liverpool (about 3 years and 6 months) and Barcelona (about 6 years and 2 months), has a history of bad behavior on the field. Suárez, 38, has been banned three times for biting an opponent during matches and once for racist behavior, although he denies the allegations.
Meanwhile, Sounders assistant coach Steven Lenhart was not spared punishment, as the Leagues Cup organizing committee suspended him for five matches for violent conduct.
According to an MLS press release on September 8, Lenhart will not be allowed on or near the playing field or in or around the locker room or tunnel. In addition, Lenhart is allowed to watch Seattle’s home matches in public seating, and MLS has fined his team an undisclosed amount.
This article includes reporting from Field Level Media.