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Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez has issued an apology after an on-field melee ended with him spitting toward a Seattle Sounders coach following his team’s 3-0 loss in the Leagues Cup final.
The incident unfolded seconds after the final whistle at Lumen Field, where tensions boiled over between players and staff from both clubs. Suárez initially clashed with Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas, grabbing the 18-year-old around the neck, before team-mate Sergio Busquets struck Vargas on the chin. The confrontation escalated until Suárez had to be restrained by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, during which he appeared to spit at a member of the Sounders’ coaching staff.
Reflecting on his actions, Suárez took to Instagram to express his remorse.
"It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn't have happened, but that doesn't justify the reaction I had," he wrote. "I was wrong and I sincerely regret it."
The 38-year-old, who has been no stranger to controversy during his career, added:
"I feel bad about what happened, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologise to everyone who felt hurt by what I did. We know there's still a lot of the season ahead, and we're going to work together to achieve the successes that this club and all of its fans deserve."
On Thursday, Suárez expanded further in another statement:
"First, I want to congratulate the Seattle Sounders for their Leagues Cup triumph. But most of all, I want to apologize for my behavior when the game ended."
"It was a moment of much tension and frustration, where just after the game ended things happened that shouldn't have happened but that doesn't justify my reaction."
"I made a mistake and sincerely apologize. It's not the image I want to give in front of my family, that suffers because of my mistakes, in front of my club, that also doesn't deserve seeing themselves affected by something like this."
"I feel bad for what happened, and I didn't want to let pass the opportunity to recognize and apologize to everything that felt bad for what I did. We know there is still a lot of season left ahead and we will work together to try and get the triumphs that this club and its fans deserve. A hug to all."
Inter Miami later issued their own response, distancing the club from the conduct of their players.
"The club condemns the altercations that took place following the conclusion of the Leagues Cup Final," the statement read.
"These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. We are working closely with Leagues Cup and MLS officials to ensure the situation is addressed appropriately. We thank our fans and community for their continued support."
The Leagues Cup organising body confirmed the matter is under review, with disciplinary sanctions expected. A spokesperson said: "The Leagues Cup Organizing Committee will review the incidents at the end of the game and proceed accordingly."
Suárez, who has previously faced high-profile bans for biting incidents and racial abuse earlier in his career, now risks fresh punishment.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / George Pagan III, Unsplash / Yoel J Gonzalez
