Rodrigo Bentancur, a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur, has been banned for seven matches after making a racist remark about his South Korean teammate, Son Heung-min. The English Football Association (FA) stated that Bentancur’s comment was improper, insulting, and brought the game into disrepute. The incident occurred during a June appearance on a Uruguayan television show, where the host asked Bentancur for a Tottenham player’s shirt. Bentancur jokingly suggested the shirt could belong to “Sonny’s cousin” because they all “look the same.”
After the incident, Bentancur apologized on Instagram, calling the comment a “very bad joke” and stating that he would never intentionally disrespect anyone. Son accepted the apology, stating that he understood it was a mistake and that their relationship remained strong. Despite this, the FA ruled that the comment was an aggravated breach, as it referred to nationality and race. As part of the punishment, Bentancur was fined £100,000 (about $126,000) and required to attend an educational program. If he does not complete the course satisfactorily by March 11, 2025, he will be banned from domestic club football until the program is finished.
The seven-match ban only applies to domestic games, so Bentancur can still play for Tottenham in international competitions like the Europa League. He is scheduled to play against Roma on November 28. Tottenham and Bentancur have not yet commented on the punishment.
Rodrigo Bentancur, a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur, has been handed a seven-match ban following a racist remark about his South Korean teammate, Son Heung-min. The English Football Association (FA) determined that the comment made by Bentancur was “improper,” “insulting,” and brought the sport into disrepute. The incident occurred during a June appearance on a Uruguayan television show. When the host asked Bentancur if he could acquire a Tottenham player’s shirt, Bentancur jokingly suggested that the shirt might belong to “Sonny’s cousin” because, in his words, they all “look the same.”
The comment was widely criticized as offensive and racially insensitive. Following the backlash, Bentancur issued a public apology on Instagram, acknowledging that the remark was a “very bad joke.” He emphasized that he would never intentionally disrespect anyone, making it clear that the comment was not meant to harm. Son Heung-min, who was directly involved in the incident, accepted the apology. He expressed understanding, acknowledging that it was a mistake, and reassured fans that their relationship remained unaffected by the exchange. Despite this, the FA ruled that the comment was an aggravated breach of its rules due to its reference to both nationality and race. This led to the imposition of the seven-match ban.
In addition to the suspension, Bentancur was also fined £100,000 (approximately $126,000) and required to attend an educational program designed to address issues related to racism and cultural sensitivity. The educational course must be completed by March 11, 2025, or Bentancur will face further sanctions, including a ban from domestic club football until the course is finished. The punishment reflects the FA’s commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct in the game and addressing racial discrimination, particularly in light of the growing global awareness of the need to promote inclusivity within football.
The seven-match ban, however, only applies to domestic competitions, meaning that Bentancur will still be eligible to participate in international tournaments. This includes matches in the UEFA Europa League, where Tottenham is scheduled to play Roma on November 28. This aspect of the ruling allows Bentancur to continue representing his club in international fixtures, albeit under a restricted schedule in domestic competitions.
Tottenham Hotspur and Bentancur have yet to issue any official statements regarding the punishment. While the club has not publicly commented on the FA’s decision, it is likely that they will support their player through the educational program. For his part, Bentancur has made it clear that he regrets the comment and is committed to learning from the experience.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in professional sports. Racism and discriminatory behavior, whether intentional or not, have no place in football, a global game that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds. The FA’s ruling underscores the need for players to be mindful of their words and actions, as even casual comments can have far-reaching consequences.
Moreover, the incident highlights the broader issue of racial stereotyping, which remains a challenge in many societies, including the football world. While Bentancur’s apology and Son’s understanding gesture were significant steps in resolving the personal fallout, the FA’s decision signals that such behavior will not be tolerated at any level of the game. The educational component of Bentancur’s punishment aims to foster greater awareness and ensure that players are better equipped to navigate the complexities of race and culture in an increasingly globalized sport.
In the coming months, it will be important to monitor how Bentancur addresses this issue both on and off the pitch, as well as how the broader football community continues to tackle racism and discrimination.
