'How dare you racist Captain SON? You're going to be kicked out!'...Bentancourt is indicted by FA for Son Heung-min's case in three months →'Up to 12 games' punishment is also possible

Sep 13, 2024

Rodrigo Bentancur's racist comments were disciplined after three months. The BBC reported on the 12th (Korea time) 'The British Football Association (FA) has indicted Bentancur for racism against Son Heung-min' BBC says Bentancourt is accused of making racist insults against teammate Son Heung-min. Bentancur apologized on his personal social media after the comment, saying it was a very bad joke. The FA said Bentancourt is accused of violating FA regulations by cheating related to media interviews. It also pointed out that it is a significant violation as it includes implied references to nationality, race, and ethnic origin. The FA will also be recommended to discharge six to 12 games for the level of disciplinary action. Bentancur said it must respond to this by the 19th.

REUTERS Yonhap News

Rodrigo Bentancur's racist remarks are facing disciplinary action in three months.

The BBC reported on the 12th (Korea time) 'The British Football Association (FA) has indicted Bentancur for racism against Son Heung-min'

BBC says Bentancourt is accused of making racist insults against teammate Son Heung-min. Bentancur apologized on his personal social media after the remarks, saying it was a bad joke. The FA said Bentancourt is accused of violating FA regulations by cheating related to media interviews. It also pointed out that it is a significant violation as it includes implied references to nationality, race, and ethnic origin. The FA will also be recommended to discharge six to 12 games for the level of disciplinary action. Bentancur said it must respond to this by the 19th.

Tottenham had a big controversy in June over the racist comments made by Tottenham teammate Rodrigo Bentancourt about Son Heung-min at the time. It was not what some fans did, but it turned into a huge problem because Tottenham's teammate was direct racism against captain Son Heung-min. The beginning was an interview conducted by Bentancur with his country's Uruguayan media. When an interviewer asked to save Son's uniform, Bentancourt said, "What about his cousin's uniform. Son Heung-min and his cousin look exactly the same," he replied with a racist remark.

Bentancourt immediately apologized to Son Heung-min on social media when the remarks became controversial. He said "Sony! I apologize for what just happened, it was a very bad joke. You know I love you, I didn't mean to ignore you or hurt you. I love you." However, the controversy did not decrease even with the apology due to the short apology and the lack of attitude.

Son Heung-min, who had been suffering from racism, made the remarks of his close colleague Bentancur even more disappointing. The English Premier League (EPL) has already maintained its racist slogans since four years ago, and has even campaigned to eradicate racism, and Tottenham also maintained a firm attitude toward some fans' racism against Son Heung-min. Tottenham was strongly angry last year, immediately making a statement despite the racism directed at Son Heung-min three times.

The situation could get better as Son Heung-min left it on his personal SNS with a public announcement of his position. Son Heung-min has already talked about it with Bentancourt about the incident. He made a mistake, knew it, and had already apologized."

Then "Bentancourt didn't mean to say something aggressively. We're brothers, nothing changes. Now it's past, and we're one. We will meet again in pre-season and fight as a team," he said, concluding his position with a heart emoji.

When Son Heung-min came forward and forgave his teammate Bentancur, Tottenham and EPL, who had been silent about the situation, also immediately expressed their position.

Following Rodrigo Bentancur's comments and public apology in the video of the interview, Tottenham will help the club produce positive results on this matter. 'The help will also include additional training for all athletes under diversity, equality and inclusion goals'

Then 'We feel that captain Son Heung-min can draw a line on this case and fully support him to focus on the new season ahead. We are very proud of our diverse and global fan base and squad. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated in our club, in the game, in the wider society, he clearly expressed his opinion on the incident.

The EPL also shared Tottenham's stance, saying 'EPL and the clubs are doing their best to eradicate all forms of discrimination. 'We will continue to support clubs, players and staff who take action against abuses caused by discrimination.' EPL also said it would not spare any support in such cases.

The position of EPL and Tottenham came only after Son Heung-min's position was made public. Until now, both Tottenham and the league have remained silent since the incident occurred, frustrating fans. However, Son Heung-min's determination and forgiveness also provided an opportunity for Tottenham and the league, and it wasn't until a few days after the incident that he spoke out about the issue.

In the end, even though Son Heung-min and the club forgave and dealt with Bentancourt, Bentancourt was forced to take disciplinary action. If the maximum 12-game suspension is decided, Tottenham will not be able to play Bentancur almost throughout the first half.

Bentancourt's remarks have been hampered by Tottenham after three months. In the aftermath of his senseless behavior, Tottenham is expected to have difficulty managing the squad for the time being if disciplinary action is confirmed.

digh1229@sportschosun.com