Inter Miami will be without striker Luis Suárez for Saturday’s decider against Nashville SC after the Uruguayan was hit with a ban for violent conduct.
Suárez has been given a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for an incident in last week’s Game 2 defeat to Nashville. The Miami star kicked out at Andy Najar in an off-the-ball incident, flicking a boot into the Nashville defender’s thigh.
The incident was not punished by the on-field officials or VAR on the night. However the MLS Disciplinary Committee is able to retrospectively enforce a punishment when it deems a clear and obvious red card was missed, as appears to have been the case here.
Another disciplinary issue with Suárez
It would be an understatement to say that Suárez has had disciplinary issues in the past. Throughout his time in Europe there were multiple incidents, including three different on-field bites.
In 2011 he was handed an eight-game ban by the English FA after been found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra. Suárez denied the allegations but his attempts to appeal were rebuffed.
More recently, in September Suárez was given a ban totaling nine games for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member in the aftermath of Miami’s 2025 Leagues Cup final loss. The Uruguayan was seen stepping on the foot of Sounders head of security Gene Ramirez, before spitting in his face.
The latest suspension is only a one-game ban but it could be crucial for Inter Miami’s hopes of lifting MLS Cup this year. The Herons are currently level at 1-1 in the best-of-three series against Nashville. The two teams meet at Chase Stadium against on Saturday, with a place in the next round at stake.