The first wave of suspensions for Inter Miami players has commenced following the chaotic conclusion of their Leagues Cup final loss. Luis Suarez received a six-match ban for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member. Sergio Busquets was suspended for two games due to violent conduct, and Tomas Aviles for three. Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart also received a five-match suspension for similar actions.
Detailed Suspensions:
- Luis Suarez: Suspended for six matches for spitting at a Sounders staff member.
- Sergio Busquets: Suspended for two matches due to violent conduct.
- Tomas Aviles: Suspended for three matches due to violent conduct.
- Steven Lenhart: Suspended for five matches due to violent conduct.
All involved will also face fines for their behavior. It`s important to note that these sanctions apply exclusively to Leagues Cup matches and currently do not affect the players` participation in Major League Soccer (MLS) games. Now that the Leagues Cup committee has concluded its review, the decision regarding potential further disciplinary measures within MLS rests with the league.
There is precedent for additional suspensions in such cases. For instance, in 2015, Clint Dempsey, after confronting a referee during the U.S. Open Cup, received a six-game tournament ban, to which MLS added an extra three-game league suspension. Former Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke was also given a three-game Leagues Cup suspension for actions against referees, with MLS subsequently imposing an additional three-match league ban. Miami and Seattle`s next MLS matches are scheduled for September 13th, allowing the league time to determine any potential further sanctions.
