'These actions do not reflect the values of our sport' - Inter Miami condemn players’ involvement in Leagues Cup final brawl

Several days after chaotic scenes in Seattle, Inter Miami have issued a formal statement condemning the actions of their players in the aftermath of the Leagues Cup final loss to the Sounders. The Florida club, beaten 3-0 on Sunday at Lumen Field, acknowledged that the behavior of some members of the squad fell well below expected standards.

“Inter Miami condemns the altercations that took place following the conclusion of the Leagues Cup Final," the club said in a statement. "These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. We are working closely with Leagues Cup and MLS officials to ensure the situation is addressed appropriately. We thank our fans and community for their continued support."

Among those at the center of the controversy was Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez, who started the brawl by going after Obed Vargas and then spitting toward the Sounders security officer. The Uruguayan, whose career has often been marred by disciplinary incidents, attempted to defuse the criticism with a public apology.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders on their Leagues Cup victory. But above all, I want to apologize for my behavior at the end of the match. It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where things happened immediately after the final whistle that should not have happened. That does not excuse my reaction. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it,” Suárez wrote on social media. 

The former Liverpool forward also admitted his actions had deeply affected his family. 

“This is not the image I want to give - neither to my family, who suffer because of my mistakes, nor to my club, which doesn’t deserve to be dragged into something like this,” he added.

Suárez has faced multiple suspensions throughout his career for controversial incidents, including a 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic in the Premier League in 2013, a nine-match international suspension and four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, and an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

Inter Miami return to MLS play on Saturday, Sept. 13, when they visit Charlotte FC following the international break.