Rodrigo Bentancur charged by FA for comments about teammate Son Heung-min

Bentancur, the Tottenham midfielder, has been accused by the Football Association (FA) of making inappropriate comments about his teammate Son. The incident sparked a wave of criticism and led to a charge by the FA. He faces a severe punishment.

• Bentancur charged by FA over offensive comments
• Apology on social media towards Son
• He faces a ban of between six and 12 games

Rodrigo Bentancur faces FA charge for comments about Sona

The Football Association (FA) has charged Bentancur with breaching FA rules over inappropriate behaviour. Specifically, it is a breach of FA rule E3, which relates to offensive and derogatory language with racial or ethnic overtones. Bentancur has until September 19 to respond. If found guilty, he faces a ban of between six and 12 Premier League games.

Bentancur’s comments about Son Heung-min

In a clip posted on social media from a June interview on Uruguayan television, presenter Rafa Cotelo asked Bentancur about the Spurs player’s jersey. Bentancur replied, “Sonny?” and added: “It could also be Sonny’s cousin, because they all look the same.” This statement was widely criticized and deemed inappropriate, particularly because of its racial overtones.

Rodrigo Bentancur apology

Bentancur later apologized on his social media profile but it did not escape the FA. He wrote: “Sonny, bro! I’m sorry for what happened. It was an inappropriate joke. You know I love you and would never mean to offend you.” Although Bentancur apologized, the FA still blamed him for the comments.

Tottenham’s reaction

Tottenham reacted quickly and issued a statement stressing their support for diversity. It said: “We are proud of our diverse and global fan base and playing squad. Discrimination of any kind has no place at our club, in football or in society.” Son expressed his wish to bring the matter to a close and move on with the season.

Bentancur charged by FA

However, the Football Association has not dropped the charges. Bentancur now has until September 19 to explain his words to the Football Association. In the meantime, Tottenham and Son are trying to bring closure to the situation and continue the season. The FA will decide on Bentancur’s punishment in the coming days.

Source: X, ESPN