Tottenham Hotspur are set to appeal the seven-match suspension handed to Rodrigo Bentancur by the Football Association (FA) over a racist comment he made about club captain Son Heung-min.
The FA issued the ban along with a £100,000 fine following an investigation into Bentancur’s remarks during a June interview on Uruguayan television.
The midfielder denied the charges, but an independent Regulatory Commission found him guilty of breaching FA Rule E3, which covers improper and abusive language.
The FA described the incident as an “aggravated breach” under Rule E3.2, citing references to race, nationality, or ethnic origin. In its ruling, the FA stated:
“Rodrigo Bentancur acted in an improper manner, used abusive and/or insulting words, and brought the game into disrepute. The independent Regulatory Commission imposed the sanctions after a hearing.”
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur’s remark, made during a light-hearted exchange with reporter Rafa Cotelo, implied that “all Koreans look the same.” This comment, considered offensive, led to the FA’s decision to add an extra game to the six-match minimum suspension for racist abuse.
The Controversial Exchange
The incident occurred during a televised interview where Cotelo and Bentancur discussed football shirts.
Cotelo: “Your shirt… well, what about the Korean’s shirt?”
Bentancur: “Sonny?”
Cotelo: “Or a champion.”
Bentancur: “Or one of Sonny’s cousins as they all look more or less the same.”
Tottenham has clarified that they are not contesting the guilty verdict but are seeking to reduce the length of Bentancur’s ban. The club argues that the additional game, which elevated the suspension beyond the minimum six-match threshold, is excessive.
Son Heung-min
Bentancur issued a public apology on social media, stating:
“Sonny, brother! I apologise for what happened—it was a very bad joke. You know I love you and would never disrespect or hurt you or anyone else.”
Son Heung-min, who accepted the apology, responded with forgiveness:
“He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo would never intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers, and nothing has changed.”
In 2019, the FA raised the minimum suspension for racist abuse to six matches. Bentancur’s case highlights the FA’s commitment to combatting racism in football, adding an extra game to emphasize the severity of such incidents.
What’s Next?
Tottenham’s appeal aims to reduce the suspension while maintaining accountability for the incident. As discussions continue, the football community awaits the FA’s final decision on whether the additional match in Bentancur’s punishment will stand.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and respect in professional sports, as well as the consequences of lapses in judgment.
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