By Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game domestic ban by the Football Association (FA) following a racial comment about teammate Heung-Min Son and East and Southeast Asians during a television interview in Uruguay.
The incident dates back to a June appearance on Canal 10, where Bentancur was asked to display a teammate’s shirt. In response, the former Juventus player remarked: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.” Although Bentancur issued an apology soon after, the FA deemed the comment an “aggravated breach” of its rules due to its racial nature.
After being charged with misconduct on September 12, an independent regulatory commission upheld the FA’s case, resulting in the ban and a £100,000 fine. Bentancur will miss Tottenham’s next seven domestic fixtures but remains eligible for Europa League matches against Roma and Rangers.
An FA spokesperson confirmed the sanctions, stating: “The independent regulatory commission has found that Rodrigo Bentancur breached FA Rule E3 by acting in an improper manner and using language that included references to nationality, race, and ethnic origin. The commission upheld the charge and imposed the penalties following a hearing.”
Despite the controversy, Son responded to the incident with forgiveness, stating that his relationship with Bentancur remains unchanged. “We are brothers, and nothing has changed. He made a mistake, and he apologized,” Son said.
Reaction from Kick It Out
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out welcomed the FA’s decision to hold Bentancur accountable. “This case highlights the impact of abuse targeting East and Southeast Asian individuals, not just on players but on the wider community. We commend the FA for taking action,” a spokesperson said.
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about combating racism and discrimination in football, with fans and advocacy groups calling for continued efforts to create an inclusive environment in the sport.
