Son Heung-min Did It Again... Defending Teammate Against 'Racism' Saying "We Are Brothers"

Only After Son Heung-min's Statement Did the Club Release an Official Response
Fans Furious at the Club's Delayed and Lukewarm Reaction

Son Heung-min, captain of England's professional football Premier League (EPL) team Tottenham Hotspur, has calmed the controversy by stating that he received an apology from teammate Rodrigo Bentancur, who made a racist remark towards him.

Son Heung-min "We reconciled" posts a statement, Tottenham's delayed response... Netizens angry, "Disciplinary action should be separate"

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

On the 20th, Son Heung-min posted on his Instagram, "I had a conversation with Lolo (Bentancur's nickname)" and said, "He made a mistake, and he knows it and apologized to me." He added, "Bentancur did not intend to cause offense," and explained, "We are brothers. Nothing has changed." Son emphasized, "It's in the past, and we are one. We will meet again in the preseason and unite as a team to fight."

Tottenham, Son's club, also posted alongside Son's statement, "We support Sonny (Son Heung-min) to focus on the new season," and wrote, "Any form of discrimination has no place in our club, our games, or our society." Until Son posted his statement, Tottenham had remained silent.

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 racist remark implying that all East Asians look alike. After criticism poured in accusing Bentancur of racism, he explained, "My brother Sonny! It was just a bad joke. You know I love him, right?"

However, the anger of fans both domestically and internationally did not subside easily. They also criticized Tottenham for posting Son Heung-min's statement instead of the perpetrator's apology. Furthermore, dissatisfaction peaked as the club's previously lukewarm response whenever Son faced racial discrimination came to light.

Netizens who saw this commented, "Son Heung-min accepting the apology was just his role as captain, but Bentancur should be disciplined by the club," "He should apologize to all Asians," "And yet they plan to hold an Asia tour," and "It's ridiculous to say late that racism should not be tolerated."

"Using Son Heung-min's good image as a shield" Fans express outrage

Son Heung-min (left), captain of the South Korean national football team, is posing warmly with Lee Kang-in.
[Image source=Son Heung-min Instagram]

In particular, a netizen who identified as a fan of Son Heung-min expressed frustration, saying, "Just like with the Lee Kang-in table tennis incident, Son only accepts apologies and moves on," and added, "Both the Football Association and Tottenham seem to be using Son Heung-min's good image as a shield, which makes me angry."

In February, British media The Sun and the Korea Football Association reported that on the evening of the 6th of last month, a day before the semifinal match against Jordan, Son Heung-min tried to stop Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and others from playing table tennis, which led to physical clashes with some players, during which Son injured his finger. As a result, Son played the match against Jordan and subsequent games for Tottenham with his hand bandaged.

As the controversy grew, Lee Kang-in flew to London, UK, to meet Son Heung-min and apologized. Son also posted on Instagram, "Lee Kang-in sincerely reflected and gave a heartfelt apology to me and all the national team players," sharing a photo of them warmly putting their arms around each other. Son reflected, "I also made mistakes and showed bad behavior when I was young, but thanks to the stern advice and guidance of good seniors, I was able to come this far." He added, "As a senior and captain, I will specially take care of Kang-in so that he does not repeat his wrong actions and grows into a good person and player."