Inter Miami and Toronto FC were the main protagonists of perhaps the most entertaining match we’ve had thus far in the 2024 Leagues Cup, with the MLS teams scoring a combined seven goals in 90 minutes.
The Herons, who played with 10 men for almost 70 minutes, were able to secure the win at home to advance to the next round.
GRAN VICTORIA PARA SEGUIR SOÑANDO pic.twitter.com/b9g2J5zTIz
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 9, 2024
They’re looking to retain the title.
However, the game could have gone the other way when a scuffle between Miami’s Sergio Busquets and Toronto’s Richie Laryea, could’ve seen the home side go down to nine men. Busquets was not happy with the Canadian international.
Toronto FC fans furious over Sergio Busquets no-red in Leagues Cup; claim referees favor Inter Miami
Toronto fans were not happy with their team’s elimination from the Leagues Cup and, in part, for referees ‘favoring’ Inter Miami and their star players — most specifically Sergio Busquets.
In the 51st minute and after Laryea took the ball went out of bounds, Busquets didn't appreciate Laryea's efforts to keep the ball in play, with the Spaniard grabbing the Canadian by the neck, pulling him by the shirt and onto the ground.
As much as Laryea pleaded the ref for a call, Busquets went back into position ahead of the restart from a goal kick.
Laryea in the mix again just now after his fishing for yet another PK drew Miami's ire - a clash of 2 gamesmanship experts, and Sergio Busquets might've gotten away with one pic.twitter.com/UWt0gpYxJO
— Charles Boehm (@cboehm) August 9, 2024
This sent Toronto and MLS fans watching the game into a frenzy, with many in disbelief over Busquets not receiving a red, yet alone a yellow card.
Busquets wraps both of his hands around the throat of Richie Laryea and shoves him to the ground but of course, the referee decided there was nothing to it.
A reminder that Toronto FC are facing Inter Miami tonight.#TFCLive— Touchline TFC (@TouchlineTFC) August 9, 2024
No YC for Busquets? That is ridiculous. He grabbed Laryea's shirt and threw him to the ground! WTF? #TFCLive
— David Bailey (@DABailey62) August 9, 2024
Miami should be down to 9.
Unreal that Busquets was able to choke Laryea with two hands and throw him to the ground with no repercussions. #MLS— Dan Richardson (@uxorbust) August 9, 2024
Sorry why is that not a yellow for busquets??? Its the same thing laryea got yellow for????? #tfclive
— ty (@tjthedoggo) August 9, 2024
Busquets, who has characterized himself as a player that rarely receives red cards, received just his fourth send-off of his career last July in Inter Miami’s 5-1 loss against FC Cincinnati. He received a double booking in 20 seconds for arguing a foul.
Sergio Busquets gets two yellow cards for arguing the same foul... a yellow twice in 20 seconds for dissent.
Busquets sent off.Inter Miami losing 5-1 at FC Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/3LWEE8qsDa
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 7, 2024
