Tempers flared after Inter Miami's 0-3 defeat to Seattle at Lumen Field. Several players clashed, including Inter Miami center-back Maxi Falcon, who grabbed a Seattle player by the neck, and midfielder Sergio Busquets, who swung at Obed Vargas. Inter Miami center-back Tomas Aviles was also seen punching Jackson Ragen.
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Suarez spits at Gene Ramirez during the Leagues Cup final against the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA on 31/8/2025. Screenshot. |
Amid the chaos, Suarez approached Sounders security director Gene Ramirez. Despite being held back by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and a Seattle staff member, the Uruguayan forward was caught on camera spitting at Ramirez. Ramirez reacted angrily but was quickly restrained.
The video quickly spread on social media. TUDN USA posted the video on X, clearly showing the spittle coming from Suarez's mouth, with the caption, "Disgraceful. Luis Suarez spits at a member of the Seattle Sounders coaching staff".
The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views, replies, and critical comments. User JorgeCadavid19 commented, "Suarez needs to be released by Inter Miami tonight".
After a few tense moments, Suarez and Obed Vargas shook hands. The Uruguayan star even hugged several Seattle players, including Yeimar Gomez.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano evaded questions about the incident. "I have nothing to say because I was quite far away and didn't see clearly," he said. "Of course, no one wants to see that. But if there was a reaction, maybe there was some provocation beforehand".
Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said the incident overshadowed his team's victory. "It's unfortunate that these images are getting all the attention instead of the great performance by our players. But maybe it's a compliment to Seattle that our opponent was so frustrated that they lost control of their emotions".
Schmetzer also said he had a cordial exchange with Mascherano and Inter Miami co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas after the game. Beckham waited in the tunnel to congratulate the Seattle players, a gesture Schmetzer called "classy".
This is not Suarez's first on-field controversy. He has been banned three times for biting opponents.
In 2010, Suarez bit PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal and was suspended for 7 games. Three years later, while playing for Liverpool, he bit defender Branislav Ivanovic, resulting in a 10-game ban. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he bit Giorgio Chiellini, leading to a 4-month suspension and a ban from 9 international matches.
Suarez's contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of this season, and there has been no news of an extension. It is likely that Suarez and several other Inter Miami players involved will face sanctions from the Leagues Cup organizers.
Hoang An (via The Athletic)
