Two former Barcelona stars, known for their illustrious careers, have been hit with suspensions following a heated post-match brawl.
A dramatic post-match brawl following Inter Miami’s 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final has cast a shadow over the tournament’s conclusion.
The heated clash at Lumen Field, involving players and staff from both teams, has sparked widespread condemnation and drawn attention to the conduct of some of Inter Miami’s biggest names, as reported by Marca.
The incident, which unfolded seconds after the final whistle, has led to disciplinary actions that will impact the club’s participation in future editions of the competition, raising questions about sportsmanship in the high-stakes world of professional soccer.
The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee announced on September 5, 2025, that Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez has been handed a six-match suspension for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member during the melee.
Suárez’s teammate, Sergio Busquets, received a two-match ban for violent conduct, while defender Tomás Avilés was suspended for three matches, also for violent behavior.
The trio will serve these penalties in the 2026 Leagues Cup, with additional fines imposed.
The altercation began when Suárez grabbed Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas by the neck, escalating tensions as Busquets and Avilés engaged in physical confrontations.
Suárez, a former Barcelona star with a storied yet controversial career, issued a public apology on Thursday, expressing regret for his actions.
“Things happened right after the match that shouldn’t have happened, but that doesn’t justify my reaction,” he stated, emphasizing his remorse for tarnishing the image of his family and club.
Inter Miami also condemned the incident, stating that such actions do not reflect the values of the sport and reaffirming their commitment to sportsmanship.
The suspensions highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining professionalism in the heat of competition.
As the club prepares for its next MLS match against Charlotte FC on September 13, the focus will be on moving past this controversy and restoring its reputation on the pitch.
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