S Poddar
Rodrigo Bentancur: Uruguayan midfielder who plays for Tottenham Hotspur had been given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association for a racially sensitive comment made against teammate Son Heung-min. The incident happened during a June TV interview while Bentancur was on international duty with Uruguay when he asked to provide a Spurs player’s shirt. When pressed if it was Son’s property, Bentancur said: “It could also belong to Sonny’s cousin as they all look alike.”
The Football Association decided the comment was an “aggravated breach” of its rules because there was a “clear reference to nationality, race or ethnic origin.” Bentancur denied the offense but released a public apology later in the day, but he was still found guilty by an independent regulatory commission. The suspension will kick in immediately, thereby eliminating him for the more crucial upcoming Premier League matches against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton, and Liverpool and the quarter-final Carabao Cup game against Manchester United. He will be back for the Boxing Day fixture against Nottingham Forest and therefore able to continue playing in Europa League matches.
The exclusion was a big blow for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou as he has heavily relied on Bentancur this season. The 27-year-old midfielder has started seven of the team’s 11 league matches, including the recent wins against Burnley and Crystal Palace. He was also instrumental in Tottenham’s victory over Manchester City in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
Bentancur privately apologized to Son and publicly apologized on social media after hearing the broadcast of the interview. He said sorry for his “bad taste joke” and stated that his love and respect for the teammate remained unaltered. According to Son, he accepted Bentancur’s apology, emphasized the good relations between the two, and that everyone can commit mistakes. He disclosed that Bentancur was visibly upset when they met up privately.
While the incident has undoubtedly caused harm, one needs to appreciate Bentancur’s genuine remorse and Son’s acceptance. The episode teaches us that even well-intentioned acts can go awry, and at such times, there is a need to recognize the potential aftereffect of words said in a multicultural and diverse environment.
