Suarez Suspended for Crucial Inter Miami Playoff Game

Lionel Messi will not have longtime teammate Luis Suarez alongside him for a match that could end Inter Miami’s season on Saturday.

Suarez has been suspended for Saturday’s series-deciding playoff game against nashville SC,Major League Soccer announced Wednesday,for his actions in Game 2 of the series – specifically,kicking Nashville’s Andy Najar – this past weekend.

Suarez was also fined an undisclosed amount, MLS said. Inter Miami must win on Saturday in Game 3 of the series with Nashville or its season will end.

MLS’ disciplinary committee said Suarez’s “violent conduct” in the 71st minute of the match on Nov. 1 merited the suspension, even though no foul was called against him on the play. By MLS rules, the committee can unanimously agree to issue a suspension even if no foul was called in real time.

Suarez reached out with his right leg and struck Najar, with neither one anywhere near the ball.

MLS suspended Suarez earlier this season for three league matches after he was caught spitting at someone.