Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will face a seven-game ban after comments he made about his teammate Son Heung-min in June. Bentancur, from Uruguay, was filmed during a television interview speaking in Spanish. In the interview, he made a remark saying that South Korean people “all look the same.” The comment came after the host asked if Bentancur could get him a shirt from a Spurs player. Bentancur initially responded by asking if it should be Son’s shirt, before adding, “It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
The Football Association (FA) took action following the incident, charging Bentancur with an aggravated breach of their rules. In response, the midfielder issued an apology on social media, calling his comment “a very bad joke.” Son Heung-min, who plays for Tottenham and is one of the club’s most important players, accepted the apology. He said that Bentancur made a mistake but that it was not intentional. Son expressed that they had moved on from the incident and that their bond as teammates was unaffected.
Despite the apology, the FA handed Bentancur a significant punishment. He was given a seven-match domestic ban, meaning he will miss several important games for Tottenham. If the ban stands after any potential appeal, he will not play in the Premier League matches against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton, and Liverpool. He will also miss the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, which is scheduled for December 19. Bentancur’s next possible appearance could be in Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.
This ban is not the first disciplinary issue Bentancur has faced this year. Prior to this, he served a four-match suspension for his involvement in fights during Uruguay’s Copa America elimination by Colombia. Bentancur’s suspension and the controversy surrounding his comments have put a spotlight on his conduct both on and off the pitch. Despite this, Son Heung-min’s support and their continued partnership on the field suggest that their professional relationship remains strong.
Bentancur’s suspension will also impact his availability for the Uruguay national team. After serving the suspension for the Copa America incident, he had just returned to the national squad when this new ban was imposed. The midfielder’s absence from key fixtures for Tottenham will be a blow to the team, as he is a regular starter and an important figure in their midfield. The FA’s decision reflects the seriousness with which they treat issues of discrimination and conduct, especially when they involve high-profile players and public statements.
While the FA’s ruling on Bentancur has drawn attention, it also underscores the importance of accountability in football. Public comments, especially those involving race or ethnicity, can have serious consequences. Bentancur’s experience serves as a reminder of the need for players to be mindful of their words and actions, as well as the impact they can have on others. For now, Bentancur will have to serve his ban and wait to see if any further action is taken following his appeal.
