Luis Suarez Suspended Nine Matches, Staff Banned After MLS-Leagues Cup Brawl

Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez has been suspended for six matches by the Leagues Cup and an additional three MLS regular season games following a spitting incident and a post-match melee after Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final. The altercation included Suárez putting Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock and spitting at a Sounders staff member, leading to a large skirmish involving players and staff from both teams. MLS also revoked the credentials of Seattle assistant coach Steven Lenhart for the remainder of the season and playoffs, banning him from field and locker room access, and fined the Sounders for credential misuse. Other participants in the brawl, including Inter Miami's Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles, and Lenhart, received suspensions for Leagues Cup matches as well. Suárez publicly apologized for his behavior, acknowledging it was wrong and expressing regret, but many consider his actions inexcusable given his history of disciplinary issues. Inter Miami currently sits sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference, with the suspension meaning Suárez will miss key upcoming matches against Charlotte, Seattle, and DC United.