Leagues Cup’s Suspension Decision for Luis Suarez and More Faces Major Backlash: “What a Joke”

Lionel Messi stood and watched as Seattle Sounders deservedly lifted the 2025 Leagues Cup. But not all of Messi’s teammates were gracious in defeat. In fact, Luis Suarez, historically known for his dirty antics, started a skirmish that got out of hand pretty quick. And then it went from bad to worse. So much so that you knew some hefty sanctions were in order. But what has come has left the MLS fans jeering at the league officials.

Well, the suspensions have been dished out. And yet, it looks like no suspension will be served. Sounds confusing? Tom Bogert of the MLS and USMNT Insider shared the update on X on September 5. “BREAKING: The Leagues Cup has handed out the following suspensions for the altercation after the final:

– Luis Suarez: 6 games

– Sergio Busquets: 2 games

– Tomas Aviles: 3 games

– Sounders coach Steven Lenhart: 5 games”.

Sounds about right, doesn’t it? So, why are the fans fuming? The last line of the tweet made all the difference: “Suspensions only for Leagues Cup”. And the fans were driven into a frenzy. One of them said, “2 guys will be retired and one probably will be elsewhere next year, wild.” He was talking about Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, 38 and 37 years old, respectively, and current contracts expiring in the ongoing 2024-25 season.

With the Leagues Cup campaign being over for the season, the suspension will apply for the upcoming season, but Suarez and Busquets may not be even there. Yep, the fans have a point. One fan went, “What a joke”, while another wrote, “So basically nothing??” Rather, this MLS fan shared what should be done. “Pathetic. MLS better hand out suspensions now for regular season play”.

There were complaints about the verdict, too. One guy complained about Sergio Busquets’ 2-match ban. “2 games for a sucker punch is criminal,” he went. The Inter Miami midfielder was involved in the skirmish with Obed Vargas, and looked to have shoved the Sounders midfielder in the face. A lengthier ban? Who knows? We await further communication from the MLS.

The story is developing…