There is still no prevention of recurrence. 'Victim' Son Heung-min disappeared, only Rodrigo Bentancur 'The perpetrator'
Coach Enze Postecoglou welcomed Bentancourt's return. Tottenham will play the 18th round of the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2024-2025 season against the gusty Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, at midnight on the 27th (Korea time). Nottingham, led by Nunu Espiritu Santo, a former Tottenham head coach, is currently in fourth place (31 points), while Tottenham is 11th (23 points).
Bentancourt is coming back. On the 18th of last month, the English Football Association (FA) imposed a severe penalty of 100,000 pounds (about 183 million won) on Bentancourt, along with a suspension of seven games in Korea for racist insults against Son Heung-min.
Tottenham appealed, protesting that the disciplinary action was excessive, but there was no reversal. The result was rejection. Bentancur has been suspended for all seven games. However, Bentancourt has been participating in the Europa League (UEL), an international competition, since the disciplinary action is a domestic competition in England.
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Reuters Yonhap News
At a press conference against Nottingham on the 24th, Postecoglou announced Bentancourt's participation. He added "Destiny Udozi was on the bench in the last game, obviously not 100 per cent, but he'll be fine in the next game. Bentancur is available after his disciplinary action has ended."
And "I'm glad Bentancourt is back on the running. He trained very hard. 'Boxing Day' remains to be seen. But it was very tricky to have to deal with without a key player for three weeks."
However, it is still questionable whether Son Heung-min's position was considered. Of course, Son Heung-min also took Bentancur to the end. Bentancourt, who is from Uruguay, appeared on his national television in June and was asked by the host to 'Save Son Heung-min's uniform' and would not know if he brought Son Heung-min's cousin's uniform. It looks just like Son Heung-min or his cousin." 'Orients all look the same' was a statement of racist perception.
Bentancourt immediately apologized. He posted on his SNS page, "'Sonny, I'm sorry for everything that happened. It was a bad joke. I love you. Don't you know I'll never ignore you or hurt anyone else. I love you. But it was already 'Upside Water'.
Reuters Yonhap News
Reuters Yonhap News
Son Heung-min immediately covered Bentancur through his SNS. He spoke with Bentancourt. He made a mistake, and apologized when he knew it. 'He didn't intend to say anything offending on purpose. We're brothers and nothing has changed.
However, the FA indicted the controversial Bentancourt interview in September, calling it a `serious violation.' Son Heung-min also held Bentancur in his arms ahead of the UEL KarabakhFK match in September.
He can't say much because the FA is investigating. But I love Bentancourt"We have many good memories. He apologized immediately after the incident. I was at home and I didn't even know what was going on. He sent me a long text message. I felt the sincerity. Bentancourt felt really sorry when he returned to the team and met again. Bentancourt apologized to me almost crying. He seemed really sorry."
Son Heung-min also said, `We are all human beings and we make mistakes. Learn there. Again, I love him. As you know, he made a mistake. But I have no problem at all. We are colleagues, friends and brothers. We just move forward together."
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But at least Postecoglou should be different. He also said last month that Bentancur will always accept and accept any disciplinary action that comes his way. We will apply in the process. Hopefully Bentancur will overcome it well and be ready to contribute to the team once the disciplinary action is over.'
On the question that 'appeal' can give a bad message, too "I'm not interested in appearance or what people want to do. He said he made a mistake. We will accept any punishment. However, we appealed because we thought the first punishment was a little harsh. I think it's our right. That is the whole process."
Coach Postecoglou continued "I know people these days want to burn people. But as I kept saying, if you want real education and development, part of this process is to understand when someone makes a mistake and is punished. Some of it is education, and I hope that treating them the way people see it is the way forward. Bentancourt, anyone. I've made a lot of mistakes as big as my age. I learned from my mistakes, and I hope I became a better person thanks to you."
Reuters Yonhap News
Reuters Yonhap News
On the other hand, the FA's decision to fight for the withdrawal of discrimination in the sports world was welcomed. 'Kick it out' welcomes the FA's decision to hold Bentancur accountable for his racist insults"A significant number of reports were received regarding the incident at the time, which highlights that abuse directed at athletes from East and Southeast Asia not only affects the individuals involved, but also the fans of the wider community."
Son Heung-min was left out. Postecoglou made no mention of the 'victim' until the end.
