Tottenham Hotspur are more interested in Rodrigo Bentancourt appeal than in their efforts to prevent a repeat of racism.
The British ‘Telegraph’ reported Tottenham’s reaction to Bentancourt’s disciplinary action on the 18th (Korea Standard Time). The British Football Association (FA) officially announced on the 18th that “the independent regulatory committee has suspended Bentancourt for seven games and fined her 100,000 pounds (170 million won). Bentancourt had a reputation for acting in an inappropriate way or using offensive words, and violated FA regulations E3.1.
The incident took place while Bentancourt was talking with the MC on the Uruguayan TV show Fora Camiesta. When asked to get his autograph on his uniform, he replied, “Son Heung-min and his cousins look alike. They all look alike.” Those were clearly racist remarks. Bentancourt apologized twice after noticing his mistake, but she was criticized for not being sincere.
Tottenham said, “After Bentancourt’s video of the interview and the player’s public apology, the club has been providing support to ensure a positive outcome on this matter. This includes additional training for all players in line with the goals of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We fully support the captain Son Heung-min to draw a line on this incident and focus the team on the upcoming new season. We are very proud of our diverse global fan base and squad. There is no place for discrimination at any termination in our club, our game, or the wider society,” but Bentancourt’s indictment continued and the racism controversy continued.
Coach Enze Postecoglou said at the time, “Everyone makes mistakes. It’s an opportunity to atone for learning. We need to understand from a tolerant perspective rather than a matter of punishment. We need to show such attitude to those who made mistakes,” which led to criticism for defending the perpetrator Bentancourt.
Even Son Heung-min came forward. Son Heung-min said, “The FA process is in progress. I love Bentancourt. I love him so much. I have many good memories 바카라사이트. I received an apology right after that. I was on vacation, so I didn’t know what happened, but he sent a long text message. I felt really sorry when I came back to the training site, and he apologized publicly and personally cried. He looked truly sorry.”
Nevertheless, he was reprimanded. Bentancourt denied his comment to avoid being disciplined. She even said, “Bentancourt said sorry and cried” to correct the situation, but she came up with an ugly excuse to the committee. British newspaper The Times said, “Bentancourt claimed that Son’s racist remark was an ironic expression sarcastic at the time. She judged that it was inappropriate for the MC to refer to Son as a Korean, and lightly scolded the reporter by mixing jokes. She said she scolded him politely, but her two apologies were an excuse that eclipsed him. She also apologized afterwards, saying, “I apologized for reporting a part of the edited version.”
Bentancourt’s ugly excuse was rejected. The committee said, “We cannot accept Bentancourt’s claim, which contradicts the evidence. Even considering all the evidence, arguments and excuses, Bentancourt’s remarks were insulting and inappropriate. Considering his two apologies and Tottenham and Son Heung-min’s position, Bentancourt himself admitted that his remarks were inappropriate. He filmed for more than four hours with Uruguay’s famous MC, and he could have known that his video clip would have drawn attention. As Bentancourt is a famous player, she would have predicted beforehand that her remarks would spread, but she denied it. “There are enough mitigating factors, such as no previous record, no intention to insult the opponent directly, and showing remorse, but it is not good for him to suddenly reverse his apology and hurt the positive meaning.” She explained the reason for the disciplinary decision in detail.
Tottenham is reportedly shocked. The Telegraph newspaper said, “Tottenham was shocked when Bentancourt was disciplined for making Son’s racist remark. Bentancourt’s apology and Son’s recovery have ultimately worked against Bentancourt. Tottenham is considering an appeal. There is no official comment on the disciplinary action, but there is a mood that it is somewhat embarrassing and disappointing.”
“It is only natural that a seven-match ban and a fine be imposed for dishonoring someone by acting inappropriately and making comments, swearing and insulting,” said Sir Gary Hickenbottom, a former committee member. “Furthermore, Bentancourt seriously violated the rules because it included statements about race, nationality and ethnicity. She must attend the curriculum, and the committee thinks their decision was right,” the Telegraph newspaper said.
It is disappointing that the Korean team was surprised at the fact that the team gave disciplinary action in lieu of self-reflection and criticism against Bentancourt. Starting with the away game in Manchester City, Bentancourt is not allowed to play in Fulham (home), Bournemouth (away), Chelsea (home), Southampton (away), Manchester United (home) or Liverpool (home). Tottenham currently has a lot of injuries and is also suffering from physical stamina due to its tight schedule. What makes Bentancourt feel ridiculous is a blow.
