The aftermath of the fiery Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders has seen several players and staff handed significant suspensions. Luis Suarez faces a six-game ban, with Sergio Busquets, Tomas Aviles, and Seattle coach Steven Lenhart also penalized for their roles in the post-match brawl.
A dramatic post-match brawl between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final has resulted in a series of suspensions announced by the competition’s disciplinary committee. Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan striker, received the harshest penalty, being banned for six games after spitting at a member of Seattle’s staff.
In addition to Suarez’s suspension, Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles have been handed two and three-game suspensions, respectively, both for violent conduct. Seattle Sounders’ assistant coach, Steven Lenhart, has also been penalized, receiving a five-game ban for his involvement in the scuffle.
These suspensions are strictly limited to Leagues Cup fixtures, though further disciplinary action from Major League Soccer (MLS) could follow. As part of the punishment, all individuals involved will also face undisclosed fines.
The brawl occurred following the final whistle of the Leagues Cup, a match that saw Seattle claim a dominant 3-0 victory over Inter Miami. Suarez’s controversial actions are not a first in his career, as the former Barcelona star has been involved in several incidents over the years, including biting Branislav Ivanovic in 2013, which earned him a 10-match Premier League suspension, and a nine-match ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
The suspensions come at a pivotal moment for both teams. Suarez and Busquets, whose contracts expire at the end of this MLS season, face uncertainty about their future, with speculation growing that they may retire after the season concludes.
What’s Next?
Both teams will return to MLS action on September 13 after the international break, with Miami and Seattle looking to bounce back from the heated controversy that marred the end of their Leagues Cup campaigns.
