Bentancur Banned Seven Matches for Son Heung-Min Comments

Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-match domestic suspension by the Football Association (FA) after making an alleged racist comment about teammate Son Heung-min during a TV interview in Uruguay. The FA charged Bentancur on September 12 with misconduct following an interview from June in which he was asked by the Canal 10 host to show a Tottenham player’s shirt.

In the interview, Bentancur responded with: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too, as they all look the same.” After the comment surfaced, Bentancur quickly apologized. However, because the incident was considered an “aggravated breach,” the FA appointed an independent regulatory commission to review the case.

The commission upheld the charge, and Bentancur will serve a seven-match suspension for domestic fixtures, although he is still eligible to play in Tottenham’s upcoming Europa League games against Roma and Rangers. Along with the ban, Bentancur has been fined £100,000 for breaching FA Rule E3, which relates to improper conduct, abusive language, and bringing the game into disrepute. The breach was categorized as “aggravated” because it involved a reference to race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Bentancur denied the charge, but the commission found the allegations to be valid. After the incident, Bentancur publicly apologized to Son on Instagram, saying it was a “very bad joke” and emphasizing that he would never disrespect or hurt anyone. Son responded in kind, stating that he had spoken with Bentancur and accepted his apology, reaffirming their strong brotherhood and unity.

The charity Kick It Out reported receiving a significant number of complaints about Bentancur’s comment. The FA disciplinary panel ruled that the comment was “clearly objectively insulting and abusive,” despite Bentancur’s explanation that he intended it as a sarcastic remark to the interviewer.

In addition to his suspension and fine, Bentancur is required to complete an education program provided by the FA, with the deadline for completion set for March 11, 2025.