Director Postecoglou explains the reason for appealing Bentancourt's disciplinary action! Korean fans are sad again

Nov 23, 2024

[Tottenham Hotspur Training Center (London, England) = Egan Sports Chosun, reporter] Tottenham manager Enzi Postecoglou revealed the reason for the appeal against Rodrigo Bentancourt. However, it is bitter from the perspective of Korean fans.

Tottenham will play Manchester City in the 12th round of the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2024-2025 season at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on the afternoon of the 23rd (local time). On the 22nd, a day before the game, he held an official press conference.

The topic was Bentancourt's disciplinary action. Bentancourt was asked in an interview with Uruguayan media 'Forla Camisetta' in June if he could bring Son Heung-min's uniform to a reporter. In response, he said "What about Son Heung-min's cousin's uniform? They all look the same anyway,' he said, sparking controversy. It was an obvious racist statement used to mock Asians in South America. There was a lot of criticism. Bentancourt posted an apology, but the controversy remained.

In the end, the English Football Association (FA) came forward. The FA fined Bentancourt and suspended her for seven games. The FA said 'Bentancourt violated regulation E3.1 by acting in an inappropriate manner or by using abusive and offensive words. The reason for the disciplinary action was revealed as 'This includes remarks on nationality, race, and ethnicity, so aggravated punishment as stipulated in E3.2.'

Tottenham protested. I appealed immediately. Coach Postecoglou explained the reason for the appeal at a press conference on the 22nd. He added: `Bentancourt is ready to accept whatever gong it is"I let off the rhyme. Nevertheless, he said that the appeal was 'their natural rights'. Postecoglou said, `I will accept any punishment,' but added, `I think the first punishment (seven games suspended) is a little too much. An appeal was filed against this. This is our legitimate right."

Even if the appeal is accepted, the suspension will be reduced to only one game according to the regulations. Nevertheless, Tottenham appealed because the seventh game was against Liverpool. "It doesn't matter who the opposing team is," Postecoglou said. "It's worth appealing." It is part of the judicial process. Through this process, we will be judged again and we will accept the results."

In response, Korean fans are disappointed. If Bentancourt admits his fault, he should accept disciplinary action instead of appeal. This is because the appeal itself shows the impression of dissatisfaction. Moreover, the feeling of betrayal among Korean fans is even greater because the victim is not another player, but Son Heung-min, Bentancourt's teammate and captain.

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