Rodrigo Bentancurmidfielder Tottenham Hotspur, has been punished with a seven-match suspension after an inappropriate comment he made in a joking tone about his teammate Heung Min Son. The sanction comes after the English Federation of Football (FA) determined that the Uruguayan player violated Rule E3.1, which prohibits abusive or insulting behavior and statements, in addition to discrediting the game in any way.
It all started during an interview on a Uruguayan television program. The presenter, in a relaxed tone, asked Bentancur to get him the jersey of his teammate, Heung Min Son. “Could you bring me the Korean’s shirt?” asked the journalist. Bentancur, responding in his characteristic relaxed tone, replied, “Sonny?” The interviewer continued: “Yes, or any champion,” to which the Uruguayan midfielder replied: “It could be one of Sonny’s cousins, because they are all more or less the same.”
The comment, which initially seemed harmless and joking, quickly sparked controversy. The FA, after becoming aware of the event, determined that Bentancur’s words were inappropriate and could be interpreted as a reference to Son’s nationality and ethnic origin, which constitutes an aggravated offense according to FA regulations. FA.
The response of the English Federation was immediate, and the sanction imposed on the Uruguayan footballer was forceful: a seven-match suspension. This sanction will affect Bentancur in any competition in which he participates under the jurisdiction of the FA, which includes Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup matches. However, the midfielder will be able to continue playing in international competitions such as the Europa League, where the Tottenham will be measured against teams such as Roma and Rangers, as these matches are not under the direct supervision of the FA.
As soon as the incident became public, Rodrigo Bentancur publicly apologized for his words. The Uruguayan expressed his regret and acknowledged that he had made a mistake. According to Heung Min Son himself, the apology was immediate and sincere. “He apologized immediately afterwards when we were on vacation. I was at home and I didn’t even realize what was happening. He sent me a very long message and you could tell it came from the heart,” said the South Korean forward.
Son, who has shared a dressing room with Bentancur On several occasions, he emphasized that all human beings make mistakes and that, despite what happened, he still has a great relationship with his teammate. “I love my teammate,” added the South Korean player, showing his understanding and support for Bentancur.
In sports, the sanction comes at a time when Bentancur had been a key piece for Tottenham in the current season. The Uruguayan had started seven of the eleven games played by the ‘Spurs’ in the Premier League, in addition to having scored a goal. His suspension will represent a significant loss for Antonio Conte’s team, which will have to find a solution to make up for the absence of the midfielder in the midfield.
