Luis Suárez has received a six-game suspension following his actions during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup final loss to the Seattle Sounders. Tournament officials announced the decision on Friday, saying the ban applies to next year’s competition.
The Uruguayan 38-year-old striker, who previously starred for Liverpool and Barcelona, was punished after a chaotic ending to Miami’s 3-0 defeat. Suárez clashed with 20-year-old Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas, putting him in a headlock before spitting at a Sounders referee and later a security guard.
The brawl also led to other suspensions: Sergio Busquets (two games), Tomas Avilés (three games), and Seattle coach Steven Lenhart (five games).
On Instagram, Luis Suárez issued an apology, admitting he let frustration take over. “I was wrong and I sincerely regret it,” he wrote. “I feel bad about what happened and I and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologize to everyone who felt hurt by what I did”
This is the latest controversy in Suárez’s turbulent career. He has previously faced bans for biting opponents, including Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, and for racially abusing Patrice Evra in 2011.
His infamous handball against Ghana in 2010 also cemented his reputation as one of football’s most controversial figures.
