MLS suspends Suárez for violent conduct ahead of Miami’s playoff decider
Inter Miami will be without Luis Suárez for their decisive playoff clash against Nashville SC after Major League Soccer handed the veteran striker a one-match suspension for violent conduct.
The 38-year-old Uruguayan was punished following an incident in Miami’s 2-1 loss to Nashville last weekend, when he kicked out at defender Andy Najar during the 71st minute. The MLS Disciplinary Committee confirmed on Wednesday that Suárez would serve a one-game ban and pay an undisclosed fine for the offense.
The suspension rules Suárez out of Saturday’s winner-take-all fixture in Miami, the third and final match of their best-of-three first-round playoff series. With the series tied at one win apiece, his absence is a major blow to Tata Martino’s side as they look to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
It marks the second time this season that Suárez has been banned. Earlier in the campaign, he served a three-match suspension for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member following Miami’s defeat in the Leagues Cup final.
In his absence earlier this year, Lionel Messi stepped up spectacularly, scoring three goals and providing two assists over those games and once again, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be expected to carry the team’s attacking burden as Miami fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Miami will also be desperate to avoid another early postseason exit, having fallen at the first hurdle in three of their previous four playoff appearances.
