Almost five days after the incident, the disciplinary process from the post-Leagues Cup fight is finally starting to churn. The first step became public on Friday when the tournament’s disciplinary committee announced a series of suspensions connected specifically to future Leagues Cup participation:
- Luis Suarez, who spit on a Seattle Sounders staff member and was the main instigator of the entire fracas, will get six games.
- Sergio Busquets, who appeared to punch Obed Vargas, will get two games.
- Tomás Aviles, who was another main combatant, will get three games.
- Steven Lenhart, the Sounders “mental health coach,” will get a five-match suspension after appearing to throw some punches while attempting to separate Cody Baker from the fracas.
All four will also be fined undisclosed amounts.
While this closes the book at the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee’s rulings, it is likely only the beginning of the larger fallout. Despite conjecture to the contrary, all indications are that there will be more punishments tied to league play announced in the coming days.
But before any of that can happen, players have a CBA-mandated right to appeal any league-issued punishment. It is the league’s policy not to announce any punishments until that appeal process has been completed.
Given the international attention this entire situation has received, it would be shocking if any of these players are available for the Sept. 16 match between Inter Miami and the Sounders.
The Sounders also issued this statement: “We appreciate the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee working diligently to sift through Sunday’s post-match events. There is no room in our sport for what happened after the Leagues Cup Final, and our organization is supportive of these disciplinary measures to uphold the integrity of our game. Sounders FC has no further comment at this time.”
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