Tottenham Silent on Teammate Discriminating Against Son Heung-min... Even International Human Rights Groups Are Outraged

"Criticism from Fans Conveyed to Club and Authorities"

Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL) made a racially insensitive joke about team captain Son Heung-min, but Tottenham has remained silent, prompting an international anti-racism organization to raise concerns.

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (left) and forward Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

On the 19th (local time), the UK’s BBC and others reported that the human rights organization 'Kick It Out' stated, "We have received numerous reports regarding recent comments Bentancur made about his Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min," adding, "These reports have been forwarded to the club and relevant authorities." They continued, "Bentancur is likely aware that his remarks were problematic. This issue extends beyond East Asia and affects a broader scope. We will work to address this significant problem." Kick It Out, founded in England in 1997, is a human rights group that campaigns against racism in football. They have previously supported Son Heung-min when he faced racial discrimination from opposing fans and some commentators.

Earlier, Bentancur appeared on a TV program in his home country Uruguay on the 14th. When the host asked Bentancur, "Can you bring Son Heung-min’s jersey?" Bentancur replied with a laugh, "How about Son Heung-min’s cousin’s jersey? They all look the same anyway." This was a racially discriminatory remark implying that East Asians all look alike. After criticism poured in accusing Bentancur of racism, he explained, "My brother Sonny (Son Heung-min)! It was just a bad joke. You know I love him, right?"

Apology statement posted by Bentancur [Image source= Bentancur SNS capture]

However, fans are doubting the sincerity of his apology because the post was written as a message that automatically deletes after 24 hours and because he misspelled Son Heung-min’s nickname 'Sonny' as 'Sony.' Son Heung-min himself has remained tight-lipped about Bentancur’s remarks and apology.

There is also criticism of Tottenham’s response. Whenever Son Heung-min has faced racial discrimination, Tottenham has stated, "All forms of discrimination are hateful and must not be tolerated," and "We will do our best to ensure strong disciplinary action is taken." However, this time the club has remained silent. As a result, various sports media outlets have continuously criticized Bentancur’s remarks, and Tottenham fans have left numerous comments on the club’s official social media accounts, saying things like "Please respect our captain" and "I’m starting to feel ashamed to be a Tottenham fan."