Luis Suárez, the veteran striker for Inter Miami, has been banned for three matches by Major League Soccer following a spitting incident after the Leagues Cup final in Seattle. The match, which ended in a 3–0 defeat to the Sounders on August 31, turned chaotic when Suárez clashed with Seattle’s Obed Vargas and was later caught spitting in the direction of security staff.
The MLS sanction comes on top of a separate six-game ban already issued by Leagues Cup organizers, which will apply to future editions of the tournament. The latest penalty means Suárez will now miss Miami’s upcoming fixtures against Charlotte FC, Seattle in a high-profile rematch, and D.C. United.
Following the incident, Suárez issued a public apology on Instagram, admitting that frustration and emotion had gotten the better of him. He expressed regret for letting down his teammates, the club, and supporters, emphasizing that his behavior did not reflect the example he wanted to set for his family or his fans.
Inter Miami released a statement condemning the post-match altercations. While not naming Suárez directly, the club noted that such actions do not represent the values they aim to uphold. The controversy has placed additional scrutiny on Miami at a time when consistency in results is critical.
For Suárez, the suspension adds to a long list of disciplinary issues in his career, including biting incidents and a high-profile racism ban earlier in his playing days. At 38 years old, this latest controversy raises questions about both his future at Inter Miami and his legacy in the sport.