Rodrigo Bentancur, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, is facing a significant disciplinary action following an alleged racist remark made about South Koreans during a television appearance in Uruguay earlier this year. The incident occurred in June 2024, when Bentancur was appearing on a show and was asked about obtaining a Tottenham jersey. His response, referencing his teammate Son Heung-min, was seemingly lighthearted but took a controversial turn when Bentancur suggested that it could be Son’s cousin instead, adding that “more or less, they are all the same.”
The remark quickly sparked outrage, leading the Football Association (FA) to charge Bentancur with an “aggravated breach” of their rules, accusing him of misconduct related to the interview. In September 2024, the FA confirmed the charges, stating that Bentancur’s comments had violated the organization’s conduct standards. Although the FA has not confirmed the exact length of the ban, sources indicate that the Uruguayan midfielder could face a seven-match suspension. This would deal a blow to Tottenham’s season, as Bentancur has been a crucial part of manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans, appearing in 10 of the team’s first 11 Premier League games.
Bentancur addressed the controversy while on international duty with Uruguay. He revealed that his agent had informed him that a severe punishment was expected, although he had not received official communication from Tottenham at that point. “My agent rang me and told me he had been notified that this was the sanction,” said Bentancur. “So far, the club hasn’t contacted me. I already knew more or less where it was going.” The midfielder expressed his intent to stay focused on his duties with the national team while awaiting the outcome of the FA’s investigation.
Following the incident, Bentancur publicly apologized to his teammate Son, whom he described as a “brother.” In a heartfelt social media post, the 27-year-old described his comments as a “very bad joke” and assured Son that he would never intentionally disrespect or harm him or anyone else. Bentancur’s apology was met with understanding from Son, who later revealed that his teammate had been deeply remorseful, almost in tears when apologizing in person. “He knew and he apologized straight away,” Son said in an interview. “When we came back for pre-season, he felt really sorry, and almost cried when he apologized publicly and personally as well. He felt like he was really sorry.”
Despite the apology, the incident remains a point of contention, particularly considering the timing of the remark, which came less than a year after Son had been the victim of racial abuse from a fan. In May 2023, a supporter was banned from football for three years after making a racial slur towards Son during a match against Crystal Palace. This was not the first time the South Korean international had faced racial abuse while playing for Tottenham, having been targeted on multiple occasions throughout the previous season.
Bentancur’s comments have left a stain on his reputation, but Son has been clear in his forgiveness. He reiterated his love for Bentancur and emphasized that everyone makes mistakes. “We are all human and all make mistakes and we learn from it,” Son said. “I love Rodrigo. There’s nothing more to say.”
For Tottenham, however, the impending ban could have serious consequences. Bentancur has been a pivotal player under Postecoglou’s management, and his absence for crucial fixtures against top teams like Manchester City and Chelsea will be a significant blow to the club’s aspirations this season. Additionally, the midfielder will miss a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, a game that could be vital for Spurs’ hopes of silverware. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of dealing with racism in football and the importance of maintaining respect and responsibility both on and off the pitch.
