Will Miami’s Suárez be punished for spitting on Sounders FC staffer?

SEATTLE — Will Luis Suárez be punished for spitting on a longtime Seattle Sounders security staffer?

That’s the question that is being raised around the world, after the 38-year-old’s very public display following the Sounders’ defeat of Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field.

Immediately after the whistle, Suárez, along with other teammates, pushed, shoved, and swung punches in an ugly display after the 3-0 loss. Superstar Lionel Messi stayed away from it all.

But as security attempted to move in and separate both sides, the game’s broadcast showed Suárez lean forward and appear to spit on Sounders Head of Security Gene Ramirez. At least three other videos are circulating online that appear to show different angles and Suárez stepping or stomping on Ramirez’s foot before spitting in his face.

Ramirez recoiled, and members of the Sounders media relations team could be seen attempting to pull Ramirez away from one of the most recognizable players in the world. The MLS deferred to the Leagues Cup office for comment.

A spokesperson said the “Leagues Cup organizing committee is reviewing the incidents at the end of the game and will proceed accordingly.”

The Sounders said there would be no further comment on the incident, and Ramirez would not be made available for comment. He can be seen in a video, shared on social media, seemingly laughing off the confrontation. Ramirez is a former Seattle Police Department homicide detective and has been with the franchise since 2009.

Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said at a Sunday night press conference, “Unfortunately, that is going to take some of the attention away from what was a great Sounders performance.

I can take that as a compliment, that their players were frustrated, and frustrations led to some things that shouldn’t happen on the field, but that shouldn’t be the story.” Schmetzer went on to say that he had a good conversation with Messi and Inter Miami owner David Beckham.

Messi could be seen standing and watching the Sounders celebrate, and Beckham shook hands with the Seattle players in the tunnel, according to Schmetzer, who called Beckham “class through and through.”

Suárez is infamously known for biting opponents on the pitch, including in the 2014 World Cup. He was given a four-month ban.

The Sounders travel to Miami to play the team again in regular-season Major League Soccer action on Sept. 16, and memories likely will still be fresh.