Mascherano Critiques MLS Decision on Suárez Suspension Ahead of Key Playoff Match

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his disapproval on Friday regarding the MLS decision to suspend Luis Suárez for their final match in the Round 1 playoff best-of-three series against Nashville, labeling the ruling as “very strange.”

Suárez received a one-game suspension for a foul on Nashville’s Andy Nájar during the second half of the match on November 1 at Geodis Park, where Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat. Notably, the referee did not issue any card during the incident.

On Friday, MLS confirmed that Nashville had submitted the foul for review, a procedure permitted for all teams to challenge one decision during the postseason. Since Nashville’s initial submission was successful, they maintained the right to challenge further.

Mascherano reiterated the club’s respect for the disciplinary committee’s ruling while simultaneously voicing disagreement. “In my personal opinion, it seemed very strange because this play was reviewed by VAR in real-time, and neither the referee nor the VAR official suggested any disciplinary action,” he stated.

“Nevertheless, these are the rules of MLS. We accept the decision, although we do not agree with it. We hope that the regulations are applied uniformly in all similar situations.”

The coach further revealed that Suárez’s appeal against the suspension was denied. “I received a call on Monday night informing me about the sanction and that the specific penalty would be determined in the following days. The process moved quite swiftly here in the United States,” he explained.

“Yes, there was an appeal. The player appealed because we were informed that the club could not appeal. Thus, the player utilized the club’s resources for his appeal, but it was denied within a couple of hours.”

“[Suárez] is very surprised. These incidents happen in a game, and if we were to dwell on them endlessly, there are numerous such situations. However, it is what it is.”

As the team gears up to host Nashville for the decisive third match on Saturday at Chase Stadium, they will do so without Suárez, whom Mascherano described as a “key” player within the roster.

The winner of Saturday’s encounter will proceed to the Eastern Conference semifinal. A victory would enable Inter Miami to make history by advancing past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since joining MLS as an expansion franchise in 2020.

“He is undoubtedly an important player and a key figure on the team, but it does not help to focus on how we will react to his absence. We cannot control that, but we can control our preparation for the match and strive for a victory that will secure our qualification,” Mascherano concluded.

Inter Miami previously won the first match of the series 3-1 but subsequently lost 2-1 to Nashville, necessitating a third match.