MLS Double Standard In Full View After Miami Fight

The Leagues Cup concluded as many people expected: with the Sounders claiming the trophy and officially completing their collection of every major North American soccer trophy. The match was actually a clean sheet for Seattle, who scored three goals against Miami. Tensions were understandably high after the game, especially since Inter were unable to score any points on the board. Those feelings spilled over to aggression after forward Luis Suárez was seen possibly spitting in a Sounders staff member’s face.

The incident involving Suárez happened after he grabbed Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas in a headlock, starting a fight between the teams on the field. Players and staff on both sides became involved, and Suárez is seen possibly spitting on the staff member after the situation had started to calm down.

The History Of Offenses

This is not the first time that Suárez has made headlines for some suspension-worthy offenses. He’s known through the Premier League, La Liga, and Eredivisie for biting opponents during heated matches. He’s also been found guilty of racially abusing an opponent, leading to a multi-game suspension and fine. When a player with this record is signed into a league, executives should already be prepared with disciplinary measures in place for when they inevitably occur again.

The Fine Making Headlines Instead

Instead of an immediate fine or suspension being dished out for what Suárez did, a goal celebration by Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati is making headlines. He twerked for about three seconds after scoring a match-winning goal against the New England Revolution. He is now being fined for that celebration, with MLS having the gall to call it an ‘inappropriate gesture’. Before announcing the fine, the league used the celebration to promote the match on its social media.

What makes matters worse is that the ‘inappropriate gesture’ led to a fine after Suárez started a fight and spat on a staff member.

End Of My MLS Double Standard Rant

It would be unfair not to mention that Messi and one of the other top players at Miami have gotten into trouble with MLS in the past. Both Messi and Jordi Alba were given suspensions for one of Miami’s regular-season games after skipping the All-Star Game in Texas. Someone can also make the argument that it’s taking longer to make any suspension decisions because this wasn’t an MLS match. That’s as far as that argument goes. The outrageous double standard is that if any other MLS player had spat on a staff member after a game, the suspension would have been immediate.

Like any company, MLS likes players that can make it money. It also likes any play or celebration that could give it more views. It’s no wonder that executives are using players like Suárez to bring in more international attention. It would be nice to see them lifting other players in the league with the same vigor they do with Messi’s crew.