Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the Football Association (FA) due to a remark he made about South Korean people. During a June interview on Uruguayan television program “Por La Camiseta,” Bentancur responded to a request for a Tottenham player’s shirt by mentioning Son Heung-Min, referring to him with a comment that all South Korean individuals “look the same.”
This statement, which was shared on social media, led the FA to charge Bentancur with a breach of FA rule E3. This rule addresses misconduct related to media interviews. The FA’s statement indicated that Bentancur’s remarks constituted an “aggravated breach,” which includes any reference to nationality, race, or ethnic origin.
The FA’s regulations suggest that disciplinary actions for discriminatory acts typically involve match-based sanctions ranging from six to twelve games. On June 20, Bentancur issued an apology via Instagram, describing his comment as a “very bad joke.”
Five days later, Son Heung-Min, who is Tottenham’s captain, publicly accepted Bentancur’s apology, acknowledging the mistake and expressing that no ill will remained between them. Son emphasized their unity and commitment to the team.
Bentancur has been given a deadline until September 19 to respond to the FA’s charge. Tottenham Hotspur is scheduled to face Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday, where they aim to impact their rivals’ title prospects and secure a significant Premier League victory.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard could be sidelined for several weeks due to an injury sustained during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria. Ødegaard left the field with a right ankle injury and was later seen using crutches while traveling back to London. Subsequent scans are being conducted to determine the full extent of the injury.
According to Norwegian team doctor Ola Sand, such ankle injuries often require at least three weeks for recovery, though a longer period might be necessary depending on the severity.
The immediate pain from the injury was significant, and Ødegaard expressed considerable concern. Initial MRI results in London suggest that a fracture is unlikely; however, if a fracture had occurred, the recovery period could extend beyond six weeks.
Ødegaard has been a pivotal player for Arsenal, having missed only a few Premier League games in recent seasons under coach Mikel Arteta. His absence would be a considerable setback for Arsenal, especially with the recent injury of new signing Mikel Merino, who is also out with a fractured shoulder.
The focus now is on Ødegaard’s rehabilitation, which will start with light exercises and gradually increase based on his tolerance to pain. Following the match against Tottenham, Arsenal will commence their Champions League campaign against Atalanta next Thursday.
