Luis Suarez Handed Six-Match Ban for Spitting Incident in Leagues Cup Final
Luis Suarez receives six-match suspension for spitting at Seattle Sounders' director of security, Gene Ramirez, after Leagues Cup final defeat.
“It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn't have happened...”
Inter Miami star Luis Suarez has been handed a six-match suspension for his actions following last weekend's stormy Leagues Cup final defeat to the Seattle Sounders, tournament disciplinary chiefs said on Friday.
The 38-year-old former Uruguay, Liverpool and Barcelona star was sanctioned for spitting at a Sounders official after becoming embroiled in a melee following Miami's 3-0 loss.
Inter Miami's Luis Suarez has been handed a six-match suspension for spitting at Seattle Sounders' director of security, Gene Ramirez, following the team's 3-0 loss in the Leagues Cup final on August 31. The incident occurred after Suarez got into a fight with Ramirez, which was sparked by a melee involving both teams.
The altercation began when Suarez grabbed Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas by the neck, prompting teammate Sergio Busquets to strike Vargas on the chin. Suarez then confronted Ramirez, resulting in the spitting incident. Suarez's teammates, Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles, have also been suspended for two and three games, respectively.
The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee confirmed that Suarez's suspension would only apply to next year's tournament, but Major League Soccer reserves the right to impose further punishment. Seattle coaching staff member Steven Lenhart has also been suspended for five games.
Luis Suárez appeared to spit on a Seattle staff member after the final whistle in the Leagues Cup Final 👀
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 1, 2025
🎥: @MLS pic.twitter.com/gCMLdbwDlC
The Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders ended in controversy when Luis Suarez rushed at 20-year-old Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas and put him in a headlock after the final whistle. This sparked a melee involving multiple players and staff from both teams, showcasing the intense emotions and tensions that boiled over on the field.
Suarez's Apology for Spitting Incident
Luis Suarez has since apologized for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member, describing the incident as a “moment of great tension and frustration ” He acknowledged his wrongdoing, expressing remorse for his actions and stating that it's not the image he wants to project, especially in front of his family and club. Suarez's apology comes after a viral video showed him spitting towards a Sounders staffer as he was being escorted away.
Disciplinary Actions Taken
The Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee has handed Suarez a six-match suspension, which will only apply to next year's tournament. However, Major League Soccer reserves the right to impose additional punishment. Suarez's teammates, Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles, have also received suspensions of two and three games, respectively. Seattle coaching staff member Steven Lenhart has been suspended for five games.
A History of Controversy
This incident isn't the first time Suarez has been involved in controversy. He has a history of disciplinary issues, including:
- Biting Incidents: Suarez was banned for four months in 2014 for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup. He has also been suspended twice for biting opponents while playing for Ajax and Liverpool.
- Racial Abuse: In 2011, Suarez was handed an eight-game ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
- Deliberate Handball: During the 2010 World Cup, Suarez's cynical handball on the goal line denied Ghana a late winner in the quarter-finals.
Suarez's Troubled Disciplinary History
This incident is the latest in Luis Suarez's history of disciplinary issues. He was banned from the 2014 World Cup after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, resulting in a four-month suspension. Suarez has also faced sanctions for biting incidents during club play.
Racial Abuse Controversy
In 2011, Suarez was handed an eight-match ban for allegedly racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra. This incident sparked widespread debate and criticism, highlighting the challenges Suarez has faced in managing his emotions and behavior on the field.
Infamous Handball Incident
Suarez was also involved in a notorious incident during the 2010 World Cup, when he deliberately handled the ball on the goal line to deny Ghana a late winner in the quarterfinals. This moment has become one of the most infamous in World Cup history, showcasing Suarez's willingness to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means breaking the rules.
“It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn't have happened, but that doesn't justify the reaction I had,” Suarez wrote on Instagram.
“I was wrong and I sincerely regret it... I feel bad about what happened, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologise to everyone who felt hurt by what I did,” Suarez added.
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