The Football Association has charged Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur following a racist comment he made regarding South Korean individuals while discussing his teammate Son Heung-min during a television interview. Bentancur, 27, has until September 19 to respond to the charge.
In June, Bentancur issued an apology after facing backlash for his remarks. Son accepted the apology, stating, “Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers, and nothing has changed at all.”
During an episode of the Uruguayan television show Por La Camiseta, host Rafa Cotelo inquired about a jersey from a Spurs player. Bentancur responded, “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
According to the FA’s statement, it is alleged that Bentancur acted improperly and used abusive language, bringing the club into disrepute. The governing body noted that the comments constituted an “aggravated breach” as they referred to nationality, race, or ethnic origin.