The Leagues Cup organizing committee has just announced disciplinary measures related to the fight after the final on August 31 at Lumen Field Stadium (Seattle, USA).
According to this decision, Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez is suspended for 6 matches for spilling saliva on Seattle Sounders Security Director Gene Ramirez.
The incident came right after Inter Miami lost 0-3 to Seattle Sounders. Many players of both teams lost their cool and got into controversy, leading to a collision. In addition to Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets was also banned from playing twice for hitting Obed Vargas, while defender Tomas aviles was suspended for three matches for violence.
The Seattle Sounders side could not avoid a penalty, when assistant coach Steven Lenhart was suspended for 5 matches for violating Clause 4.2.C in the tournament's regulations.
The organizers said the penalty applies to the Leagues Cup, while the MLS could offer additional handling. Since the tournament only takes place in the summer of each year between American and Spanish clubs, the disciplinary action will take effect from the 2026 season. Notably, Suarez and Busquets' contracts with Inter Miami both ended after the current season.
On social media, Suarez publicly apologized. It was a tense and disappointing moment. I admit my mistake, there is no excuse for that reaction. I apologize to my family, club and fans, the Uruguayan striker shared.
Inter Miami also issued a statement affirming their condemnation of all acts of violence and their readiness to cooperate with the organizing committee.
Suarez has not been a stranger to heavy penalties. When he was playing for Ajax in 2010, he was suspended for 7 matches for biting Otman Bakkal in the shoulder. In 2013, Branislav Ivanovic's bite caused him to be suspended for 10 matches. At the 2014 World Cup, Suarez continued to shock Giorgio Chiellini and was banned by FIFA from participating in football for four months, suspended for 9 international matches.
In addition, during his time playing for Liverpool, the striker was suspended for 8 matches by the English Football Association and fined 40,000 pounds for racial treatment of Patrice Evra.
