Spurs midfielder Bentancur slapped with lengthy 7-game ban for what was perceived as “derogatory comments” to Son.
Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a 7-game ban for his statements towards captain Heung-Min Son.
On September 12, the FA charged Bentancur with alleged misconduct in connection with a June media interview in which the host of Canal 10 urged Bentancur to reveal a Spurs player’s shirt.
Bentancur replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
Even though Bentancur quickly apologised, an independent regulatory commission panel had to decide whether to uphold the FA complaint or drop the case because this was a “aggravated breach.” Bentancur will miss Tottenham’s next seven domestic games after the independent regulatory commission panel sustained the accusation, although he will still be free to play for the team in their next Europa League games against Roma and Rangers.
An FA spokesperson said: “An independent regulatory commission has imposed a seven-match suspension and £100,000 fine on Rodrigo Bentancur for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview. It was alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.
“It was further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin. Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing.”