Sounders’ triumph marred by Suárez scandal

Seattle Sounders claimed the Leagues Cup 2025 title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, thanks to goals from Osaze de Rosario, Alex Roldan and Paul Rothrock. For Brian Schmetzer’s side, it was a second international trophy – though celebrations quickly turned chaotic at Lumen Field after the final whistle.

As the Sounders staff, led by Schmetzer, began celebrating, players from both sides clashed near midfield in a flurry of shoves and swinging arms. The most heated confrontation involved Maxi Falcón and Luis Suárez, with Tomás Avilés and Jackson Ragen also squaring off. Avilés ended up on the ground after being body-checked by Jon Bell in a move more suited to the NFL. Earlier in the melee, Benjamin Cremaschi and Reed Baker-Whiting had tried unsuccessfully to calm tempers.

The referee was slow to restore order, and remarkably, no red cards were shown. It remains unclear what sparked the fight or who instigated it.

Spitting controversy for Suárez

What followed is likely to stir even greater controversy. Television cameras caught Suárez arguing with a member of Seattle’s staff, Gene Ramírez, from the Team Security and Player Relocation department. The exchange escalated until the Uruguayan striker spat directly in Ramírez’s face.

The footage, impossible to misinterpret, leaves Suárez facing certain disciplinary action. Under Leagues Cup regulations, such an offense carries a minimum six-game suspension – a decision now awaited from the tournament’s disciplinary committee.

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