Bentancur Receives 7-Match Suspension for 'Racist Remarks' Against Son Heung-min

Inappropriate Remarks on June Broadcast Program
Received Suspension and ?10,000 Fine as Disciplinary Action

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who caused controversy by making racially discriminatory remarks against his teammate Son Heung-min (Tottenham), has been suspended for 7 matches and fined ?10,000 (approximately 180 million KRW). On the 18th (local time), British media outlets such as BBC and Sky Sports reported that the English Football Association (FA) issued a statement saying, "Bentancur violated FA regulations by acting inappropriately or using abusive or insulting language that damages the reputation of the game," and imposed a 7-match suspension on him. The FA added, "Bentancur denied the allegations, but the independent regulatory commission, after a hearing, found the charges proven and imposed sanctions."

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who caused controversy by making racially discriminatory remarks against his teammate Son Heung-min (Tottenham), has been suspended for 7 matches and fined ?10,000 (approximately 180 million KRW). Photo by EPA Yonhap News

The Uruguayan Bentancur sparked controversy in June when he appeared on a domestic broadcast program and made remarks related to Son Heung-min. When asked by the host to "get Son Heung-min's jersey," Bentancur said, "Even if you bring me Son Heung-min's cousin's jersey, I wouldn't know. Son Heung-min and his cousin look exactly the same." This statement revealed a racially discriminatory perception that "all East Asians look the same."

Following fierce criticism from netizens worldwide, Bentancur eventually posted an apology to Son Heung-min on his social media. Son Heung-min posted on social media that he accepted Bentancur's apology, but the controversy escalated as 'Kick It Out,' an organization campaigning against racism in football, submitted multiple reports related to the incident to Tottenham and authorities. Consequently, the FA initiated disciplinary proceedings in September.

Tottenham, currently 10th in the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) season with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses, urgently needs a turnaround. The suspension of key midfielder Bentancur adds a greater burden. Starting with the away Premier League match against Manchester City this weekend, Tottenham must endure a tight schedule through the busy Boxing Day period without Bentancur. However, this FA suspension applies only to domestic matches, so Bentancur will be eligible to play in the UEFA Europa League home match against AS Roma (Italy) on the 28th.