Luis Suárez Issues Public Apology After Spitting Incident in Leagues Cup Final Loss

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suárez has issued a public apology after spitting on a member of the Seattle Sounders’ coaching staff in the aftermath of Inter Miami’s 3-0 defeat in the Leagues Cup final.

The incident occurred moments after the final whistle at Lumen Field, when tempers flared between players and staff from both sides. Suárez, who had to be restrained by teammates, was seen confronting a Sounders coach during the heated exchange, while Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets appeared to throw a punch at an opposing player.  

In a statement posted on Instagram, the 38-year-old Uruguayan congratulated Seattle on their victory before addressing his conduct. “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 apologise,” he wrote. Suárez added that his actions did not reflect the image he wished to present to his family, who “suffer because of my mistakes,” or to his club, which “doesn’t deserve to be affected by something like this”.  

Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, also released a statement condemning the post-match altercations, stressing that such behaviour “does not reflect the values of our sport” and reaffirming the club’s commitment to the highest standards of sportsmanship.  

The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee is reviewing the incident, with potential sanctions yet to be announced. The competition operates under its own jurisdiction, separate from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX, but penalties could extend beyond the tournament itself.  

Suárez, who has a history of controversial on-field behaviour, including multiple suspensions for biting opponents earlier in his career, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed remorse to “everyone who felt hurt” by his actions. Inter Miami and Seattle are scheduled to meet again in MLS regular-season play later this month.