Tottenham is unhappy with the Bentancourt (27, Tottenham) incident, which has been suspended for seven games for racism against Son Heung-min.
“Tottenham is embarrassed by Bentancur’s suspension of seven games,” the British Telegraph reported on the 18th (Korea time). There was even a possibility of an appeal.
Bentancourt was punished for making racist remarks against her teammate and captain Son Heung-min. The FA announced that Bentancourt was suspended for seven games and fined 100,000 pounds (about 176 million won) for violating FA rules E3 regarding media interviews.
The incident took place in June. Back then, Bentancourt was asked to wear Son’s uniform on the Uruguayan TV show “Fora Camisetta.” The host said he wanted Son’s uniform.
Bentancourt smiled as he asked back, “Are you shooting?” He then burst into laughter, saying, “It could be Son’s cousin’s uniform. They all look exactly the same.” It was clearly a racist remark that belittled an Asian person’s appearance.
The controversy spread quickly. Bentancur posted an apology on social media. He wrote, “Sonny, my brother. I apologize for what happened. That was a really bad joke 예스벳. I want you to know that I will never ignore or hurt you or anyone else.”
Son forgave him. Son said, “I have spoken to Bentancur. He admitted the mistake and apologized for it. I don’t think he meant anything insulting on purpose. We are brothers, nothing has changed about this.”
Tottenham also made a belated statement. The club said, “We are supporting the issue to be resolved positively. We will provide additional training on diversity and equality for our players. Son feels that the issue has been resolved, and the club will fully support it.”
However, the FA launched an investigation. Bentancur was suspended for seven games ahead of Boxing Day. Bentancur claimed his remarks were an irony to mock the host, which the FA refused to accept.
The FA explained, “Bentancourt denied the allegations, but the committee decided that his actions were proven and imposed sanctions.”
It is a bad news for Tottenham. With a tight schedule ahead of the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup, Bentancourt has recently returned to the starting lineup.
Some clubs in the Premier League also think Bentancourt’s seven-game suspension is excessive.
The Telegraph reported, “Tottenham’s competitive teams were shocked by the FA’s decision. There is a perception that it is different from the punishment that other players who made racist remarks received.”
Tottenham is also considering the possibility of an appeal. The media said, “Tottenham and Bentancourt feel that Son’s support and Bentancourt’s apology have put them at a disadvantage. Tottenham has the right to appeal and is considering a next step.”