Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is set to face a lengthy suspension from the Football Association (FA) for allegedly making a racist comment about his teammate Son Heung-min. The incident, which reportedly occurred during a television interview broadcast in Uruguay in June, could lead to a minimum six-game ban under the FA’s regulations.
The 27-year-old was charged by the FA in September with an “aggravated breach” of their rules, accusing him of using offensive language and behaving in a way that brought the game into disrepute. This charge was intensified by the FA due to the alleged racist nature of Bentancur’s comments, which included references to nationality, race, or ethnic origin. The FA has increased the minimum ban for the use of racist language to six matches, meaning Bentancur could face a substantial penalty, especially with the possibility of the FA imposing a harsher sanction.
During the interview in question, Bentancur was asked to produce a Tottenham shirt belonging to Son, to which he reportedly responded, “Sonny’s or a cousin of Sonny’s? They all look the same, more or less.” This remark was widely criticized as insensitive, and it immediately led to backlash once the interview was broadcast. Bentancur responded by issuing both a private and public apology, expressing remorse for what he described as a “joke in bad taste.” Addressing Son directly on social media, he apologized, emphasizing that he would “never disrespect” or “hurt” his friend and teammate, referring to Son as “brother” and stressing his admiration and affection.
Despite Bentancur’s apology, the FA proceeded with disciplinary action, highlighting its commitment to clamping down on any form of discriminatory language in football. While Tottenham reportedly questioned the FA’s jurisdiction, given that the comments were made during international duty, an independent commission reviewed the case and is expected to reach a guilty verdict.
The ban could not come at a worse time for Tottenham. Bentancur, a key player for manager Ange Postecoglou, has appeared in 10 of Tottenham’s 11 Premier League matches this season, solidifying his role as an integral part of the team’s midfield. Missing him for at least six games would disrupt the team’s rhythm, particularly as they face challenging fixtures against clubs such as Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton, and Liverpool. Additionally, Tottenham has a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester United next month, and Bentancur’s absence could be a significant blow to their competitive prospects.
In the aftermath of the incident, Son and Bentancur appear to have maintained a positive relationship, with Son indicating that he accepted Bentancur’s apology. In a statement made in September, Son revealed that Bentancur was visibly emotional during the apology, “almost crying” as he expressed regret. Son reassured the public of his ongoing friendship with Bentancur, reiterating, “I love Rodrigo… I love him, I love him.”
Tottenham, however, has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment publicly as they await the FA’s final decision. The club is reportedly bracing for the likelihood of a ban, preparing to adapt their squad to compensate for Bentancur’s potential absence.
