English Premier League Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancourt (27) has been suspended for seven games by the English Football Association (FA). This is a disciplinary action against Son for making racial discrimination remarks against Son Heung-min (32) during the off-season
The FA said on the afternoon of the 18th (Korea Standard Time), “For violating FA rules related to media interviews, Bentancourt was suspended for seven games and fined 100,000 pounds (about 176 million won) 안전놀이터. It was alleged that Bentancourt acted in an inappropriate way or used abusive or insulting remarks to disgrace the game. He denied the allegations, but the committee decided to impose sanctions against him, saying he had been proven to act.”
Earlier, Bentancourt was called up to Uruguay’s national team for the South American Football Confederation last summer. She appeared on “Fora Camisetta,” which is aired in Uruguay, and there was a controversy over her racial discrimination remarks. During a conversation with the host, she said, “All Asians look alike.”
At the time, the host asked Bentancourt to bring his uniform. However, during the process, Bentancourt joked, “Both Son and his cousin look alike. Maybe it’s not his uniform.”
As the comment became controversial, Bentancourt immediately posted an apology on social media. “Brother, I’m sorry this happened. It was a bad joke,” Bentancourt said after reflecting on himself and adding, “You know I don’t ignore him or hurt him.” However, many doubted his sincerity, citing that the post disappeared 24 hours later and that he wrote Son’s nickname as Sony.
At the time, the British media Daily Mail said, “In November last year, supporters who made racist gestures against Crystal Palace were banned from watching soccer games for three years,” claiming that Son Heung-min was suffering from racial discrimination. It is also famous that fans such as Chelsea and West Ham made racist gestures toward Son Heung-min in the past.
It was controversial due to the racial discrimination of the same team member. Son Heung-min was one of the players who expressed more concern than anyone else during Bentancourt’s long-term injury in the past, which was a big shock.
Asked about this, Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou said, “The important person in every process is Son Heung-min. I will leave it up to him to make the decision. This matter is being dealt with, and I am confident that there will be further action.”
The Athletic also pointed out that Tottenham’s response to Yves Bissouma’s incident and Bentancourt’s case was not correct. At the time, the media pointed out, “The problem with this approach is that the burden of solving all problems has been passed on to Son Heung-min.” In particular, he claimed, “Son Heung-min is a victim, and it is not his responsibility to decide punishment.”
The media continued, “A public apology does not seem to be an appropriate response. Bentancourt’s ‘It was a cool joke’ did not fully understand the controversy he caused. It is a part that may require additional education.”
At the time, Son Heung-min said, “Bentankur delivered an apology message. He is not someone who intentionally says anything offensive. We are brothers, we have overcome this issue. We will fight for the team together.”
Bentancourt went to the ground without any disciplinary action after the season began. However, she couldn’t avoid being disciplined by the FA. Starting with the away game in Manchester City on the 23rd, Bentancourt will not be able to play in the matches of Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton, Manchester United, and Liverpool. She will not be able to play in the English competition, but will be able to play in the UEFA Europa League (UEL).
On the same day, Tottenham did not disclose its position. Instead, it only disclosed news of the club’s rebranding.
