MLS bans Suarez for Miami's winner-take-all playoff match / Photo: Johnnie Izquierdo - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
MLS bans Suarez for Miami's winner-take-all playoff match
Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez will be suspended for Saturday's MLS winner-take-all playoff match against Nashville after kicking an opponent in last weekend's loss to the same team.
The MLS disciplinary committee on Wednesday imposed a one-match ban and fined Suarez an undisclosed amount for violent conduct in the 71st minute of Miami's 2-1 loss at Nashville.
The 38-year-old Uruguayan striker will sit out a must-win match for Miami when they host Nashville on Saturday in the third match of their best-of-three MLS first round playoff series.
The ban was issued for Suarez kicking out and striking Nashville defender Andy Najar, who fell to the ground in the penalty area after being hit.
It was the second suspension of the season for Suarez, who was banned for three MLS games after spitting on a Seattle Sounders official moments after Miami lost in the Leagues Cup final.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi scored three goals and added two assists in the matches Suarez missed and Miami will likely lean heavily upon the Argentine star and MLS scoring champion again with their season on the line.
Miami will try and avoid a third first-round exit in four years in the MLS playoffs.
V.Meyer--PP
