Rodrigo Bentancur Banned For Seven Games For Racial Slur

Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been banned for seven domestic fixtures and fined £100,000 after a racially charged comment about his teammate Heung-min Son in a TV interview in Uruguay. The event, which took place in June, involved Bentancur answering a question about football shirts with, ‘Sonny? Or one of Sonny’s cousins as they are all more or less similar in appearance.” 

The FA accused Bentancur of violating Rule E3 on abusive and improper conduct with an aggravating factor of racism. Bentancur, however, pleaded his innocence and was convicted by an independent Regulatory Commission. The FA stated: 

"It was stated that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder violated FA Rule E3.1 as he brought improper conduct and/or used abusive and/or insulting words… It was also averred that this amounts to an ‘aggravated breach,’ according to FA Rule E3.2 as it contained a reference… to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”

Apology and Reaction 

Bentancur issued apologies on social media, writing on X: 

“Sonny brother! I apologize to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke! You know what I love you and I would never disrespect you.”

Next, on Instagram, he added that it was just a misunderstanding between friends and everything has been sorted with his friend, saying “All has been clarified and solved with my friend”. "If someone felt offended, I offer my sincere apologies".

Son publicly accepted the apology, saying: 

“Lolo [Bentancur] made a mistake. He knows this and has apologized. We’re past this, and we’ll be back together to fight for our club as one.”

Spurs Fans Reaction

The ban exempts Bentancur from six Premier League games, such as the crucial fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool, and an EFL Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. However, he is still free for UEFA Europa League matches. 

Some Tottenham fans have been disappointed, especially when they are aware that Bentancur’s absence is going to test the squad’s strength in an important period of the season. 

How to Buy Tottenham Hotspur Tickets 

Tottenham Hotspur tickets are available for sale online at relatively cheap prices at 1BoxOffice and you can grab them to support the team during such hard times. Even without Bentancur, who is suspended, Spurs will want to continue their good run and challenge on all fronts. Buy Tottenham Hotspur tickets now and watch incredible games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!