Luis Suarez issues apology for spitting at Seattle Sounders staff member in moment of 'tension and frustration' after Inter Miami's Leagues Cup final defeat

The ugly scenes unfolded moments after the final whistle as tempers flared between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders. Suarez was seen grabbing Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas before team-mate Sergio Busquets appeared to punch the youngster. Shortly after, Suarez became involved in a heated exchange with a Sounders coach and appeared to spit in his direction before being restrained by his teammates and a few Sounders stars. The Uruguayan striker has now issued an apology for his actions at Lumen Field.

Suarez wrote on Instagram: “It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn't have happened, but that doesn't justify the reaction I had.

“I was wrong and I sincerely regret it. I feel bad about what happened, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologise to everyone who felt hurt by what I did.”

Suarez added that he is now looking towards helping Inter Miami reach the MLS playoffs: "We know there's still a lot of the season ahead, and we're going to work together to achieve the successes that this club and all of its fans deserve."

Suarez is no stranger to controversy, having faced lengthy bans in the past for biting incidents and a high-profile racism case while at Liverpool. This latest flashpoint could lead to further punishment, just as Inter Miami push for an MLS Cup play-off place. Despite the apology, scrutiny over his conduct is set to continue.

Inter Miami are awaiting confirmation on whether Suarez will face suspension from MLS or Leagues Cup organisers. The Uruguayan veteran has pledged to stay focused on helping Lionel Messi and his teammates chase silverware this season. The Herons will return to league action against Charlotte on Saturday, September 13, knowing Suarez’s availability could prove decisive.