Suarez suspended by MLS for Inter Miamis decisive playoff clash

Luis Suarez, forward for Inter Miami, has been handed a suspension for the MLS playoff decider against Nashville on Saturday, following an incident where he kicked an opponent during their recent defeat to the same side.

On Wednesday, the MLS disciplinary panel issued a one game ban and an undisclosed fine to Suarez for violent behaviour in the 71st minute of Inter Miamis 2-1 loss at Nashville.

The 38 year old Uruguayan forward will miss this essential match for Inter Miami as they welcome Nashville on Saturday for the third and final game in their best-of-three first round MLS playoff series.

The suspension arises from Suarez lashing out and connecting with Nashville defender Andy Najar, who went down in the penalty area after the impact.

This is the second time Suarez has been suspended this season, having earlier been banned for three MLS matches after spitting at a Seattle Sounders official shortly after Inter Miamis defeat in the Leagues Cup final.

Lionel Messi, the eight time Ballon dOr winner, managed three goals and two assists in the fixtures Suarez missed, and Inter Miami will probably depend greatly on the Argentine ace and MLS leading scorer once again with their campaign at stake.

Inter Miami seeks to steer clear of a third first round knockout in four years in the MLS playoffs.