MLS suspends Luis Suárez three games for spitting incident in Leagues Cup

Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets escaped punishment, despite cameras showing him raising his hand to Obed Vargas’ face.

The ban means Suárez will miss Miami’s upcoming games at Charlotte FC, the Sounders, and against DC United. Pic: Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Major League Soccer has suspended striker Luis Suárez three league games for his role in the mass brawl between his Inter Miami side and the Seattle Sounders after the Leagues Cup final. Suárez was at the center of the confrontation, first putting Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock before being dragged away. Later, TV cameras caught Suárez yelling at, and spitting on, Sounders security director Gene Ramirez.

Sounders team psychologist Steven Lenhart, himself a former MLS player who was known for confrontations and physical play, has also had his credential revoked for the remainder of the 2025 season. Lenhart was among a large group of Sounders players and staff who joined the melee along with Inter Miami players and staff.