Inter Miami Coach Critiques Luis Suárez’s Ban Ahead of Decisive Playoff Match

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, described the decision to impose a one-game ban on Luis Suárez as “very strange,” ahead of their final match in the Round 1 best-of-three MLS playoff series against Nashville.

The ban was issued following an incident in which Suárez kicked Nashville’s Andy Nájar during the second half of their match on November 1 at Geodis Park, which Inter Miami lost 2-1. Notably, the referee did not show a yellow or red card at the time of the foul.

MLS confirmed that Nashville submitted the incident for review, maintaining the right to challenge the decision after their initial submission was deemed successful. Although Mascherano expressed respect for the disciplinary committee’s ruling, he voiced his disagreement.

“In my personal opinion, it seemed very strange, very strange because it’s a play that was reviewed by VAR in real time, and it didn’t suggest any sanction from either the referee or the VAR official,” Mascherano stated. “However, we accept it. The club announced that we do not agree, but we respect the decision. We hope that the regulations are applied consistently to all situations.”

Mascherano further revealed that Suárez’s appeal against the suspension was denied swiftly. “I received a call on Monday night informing me about the sanction and that details would follow soon. The appeal was made through the club’s resources, but it was denied within a couple of hours,” he explained.

“[Suárez] is very surprised. These situations occur during games, and if we were to dwell on them endlessly, there are many similar incidents. But it is what it is,” he added.

As Inter Miami prepares to host Nashville for the decisive third game on Saturday at Chase Stadium, they will have to do so without Suárez, a player Mascherano considers “key” to the roster. The outcome of this match will determine which team advances to the Eastern Conference semifinal.

With a victory, Inter Miami could achieve a historic milestone by progressing past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since their inception as an expansion franchise in 2020.

“He is undeniably an important player and one of the key figures on the team, but focusing on our reaction to this situation is unproductive,” Mascherano remarked. “What we can control is how we prepare for the match and our pursuit of victory that will secure our qualification.”

Inter Miami previously won the first game of the series 3-1 before losing 2-1 to Nashville, leading to this crucial third match.