New York, September 6 (H.S.) : Inter Miami’s star forward Luis Suárez has been slapped with a six-match suspension by the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee following ugly scenes in last weekend’s final against the Seattle Sounders.

The 38-year-old Uruguayan striker, who previously lit up Europe with Liverpool and Barcelona, was accused of spitting at a Sounders staff member during a heated post-match altercation after Miami’s crushing 0-3 defeat. The committee clarified that the suspension will take effect in next year’s edition of the Leagues Cup, while Major League Soccer (MLS) reserves the right to impose additional sanctions.

Suárez issued a public apology through Instagram on Thursday, admitting his fault. “It was a moment of tension and frustration. Things happened after the match that should not have happened. But that doesn’t justify my reaction. I was wrong, and I truly regret it,” he wrote.

The fallout extended beyond Suárez, as his teammates were also punished. Sergio Busquets received a two-match suspension, while defender Tomás Avilés was handed a three-match ban. On the opposite side, Seattle Sounders assistant coach Steven Lenhart has been sanctioned with a five-match suspension for his role in the altercation.

The incident has cast a shadow over Inter Miami’s high-profile squad, which has already drawn global attention with its mix of iconic veterans.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar