'I Regret It': Luis Suarez Posts Apology After Spit-Gate Incident At Leagues Cup Final

Last Updated:September 05, 2025, 08:21 IST

Suárez apologized on Instagram after spitting at a Seattle Sounders staffer post Inter Miami’s 3-0 Leagues Cup final loss, reigniting debate over his history of controversies.

Inter Miami's Luis Suarez (X)

Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez has finally issued a public apology after an ugly post-match incident in which he spat at a Seattle Sounders staff member following his team’s 3-0 defeat in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday.

Moments after the final whistle, Suárez confronted 20-year-old Obed Vargas, putting the Sounders midfielder in a headlock. That clash quickly escalated into a melee involving multiple players and staff.

As officials intervened, cameras caught Suárez spitting in the direction of a Seattle security staffer while being escorted away.

The footage quickly went viral, reigniting discussions about Suárez’s long track record of controversial behavior on the pitch.

Suárez’s Apology

The 38-year-old Uruguayan striker took to Instagram on Thursday to acknowledge his misconduct.

“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," Suárez wrote in an Instagram story.

“I was wrong and I sincerely regret it."

In his statement, Suárez expressed remorse not only for his actions but also for the negative image they projected.

“I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologize to everyone who felt hurt by what I did," he wrote.

He also emphasized his commitment to helping Inter Miami bounce back in their push for the MLS Cup 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."

A History of Controversy

The incident has once again placed Suárez under the microscope given his history of high-profile infractions:

• 2014 World Cup: Infamously banned for four months after biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.
• Club Football: Suspended twice earlier in his career for biting opponents while playing for Ajax and Liverpool.
• 2011: Handed an eight-game ban in England for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
• 2010 World Cup: Vilified for his deliberate handball on the goal line, which denied Ghana a late winner in the quarter-final, leading to Uruguay’s eventual penalty shootout victory.

What’s Next?

With the playoffs approaching, Inter Miami are under pressure to stabilize both on and off the field. The club has yet to confirm whether Suárez will face internal discipline in addition to whatever sanctions the league imposes.

Disciplinary action is expected, with MLS and Leagues Cup organizers reviewing the footage and match reports.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports 'I Regret It': Luis Suarez Posts Apology After Spit-Gate Incident At Leagues Cup Final

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