Luis Suarez hit with fresh match ban as Inter Miami chaos deepens

The 38-year-old striker, already sanctioned for six matches by the Leagues Cup committee, was caught in the middle of ugly post-match scenes following Miami's 3-0 loss in Seattle. With over 69,000 fans inside Lumen Field, the night should have been a celebration for the Sounders, but Suarez's behaviour dominated the headlines.

Footage showed the former Liverpool and Barcelona forward stepping on the foot of Sounders security chief Gene Ramirez, before spitting directly at him. Suarez was also involved in a heated clash with Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas, who had earlier been held in a headlock, while Sergio Busquets appeared to land a punch on the teenager.

MLS confirmed the new punishment. "The league has a responsibility to uphold standards of conduct on and off the pitch," a statement read. "This behaviour fell well below those standards." Suarez will now miss Miami's next clash with Seattle in the regular season, adding to the pressure on Gerardo Martino's squad.

Suarez's disciplinary record has long been under scrutiny. He was banned for biting opponents at Ajax in 2010, Liverpool in 2013, and again with Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup. "It is frustrating because Luis has been an important player for us," Martino said recently. "But we cannot excuse actions that damage the team and the image of the club."

Busquets received only a two-match Leagues Cup suspension, though with his contract expiring at the end of the season and retirement rumours growing, the ban may prove irrelevant. Suarez's deal also runs out in December, raising questions about whether Miami will look to extend his stay.

The fallout extended to the Sounders' staff as well. Steven Lenhart, the club's team psychologist and a former MLS striker, was seen throwing punches during the melee. Initially banned for five Leagues Cup games, MLS have now revoked his credentials for the remainder of the season and play-offs. Seattle confirmed he will return next year once his suspension is served.

For Miami, who had hoped the star power of Lionel Messi, Suarez and Busquets would lead to silverware, the campaign is instead in danger of unravelling amid controversy.