Tottenham star hit with seven-game ban following racist slur about Son Heung-min and South Koreans
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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-match domestic ban and £100,000 fine by the Football Association following racist remarks about teammate Son Heung-min.
The Uruguayan midfielder made the controversial comments during a television interview with Canal 10, which emerged in June.
The FA found Bentancur in breach of Rule E3, with an independent regulatory commission upholding the charge after a hearing.
During the televised interview, Bentancur was asked to show a Spurs player's shirt by the Canal 10 host.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-match domestic ban and £100,000 fine by the Football Association following racist remarks about teammate Son Heung-min
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When discussing Son's shirt, Bentancur remarked: "Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."
The comments were prompted immediate controversy, despite the former Juventus star insisting he didn't mean to cause any offence.
The FA charged Bentancur on September 12 with misconduct in relation to the media interview.
Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur apologised to Son Heung-min but has now been banned by the FA
ReutersThe charge constituted an aggravated breach under FA Rule E3.2, as it included references to nationality, race and ethnic origin.
Despite Bentancur denying the charge, the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven.
The case required either upholding or dismissal by the independent panel due to its classification as an aggravated breach.
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Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur will miss Saturday's crunch showdown with Manchester City
ReutersWhile Bentancur will miss seven domestic fixtures, he remains eligible to feature in Tottenham's upcoming Europa League matches 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."
The spokesperson added that Bentancur had "acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute."
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While Bentancur swiftly issued an apology following the incident, this was not sufficient to prevent disciplinary action.
After reviewing the case, the panel ultimately upheld the charge against the Tottenham midfielder, resulting in the significant suspension and financial penalty.
He will miss Tottenham's crunch showdown with Manchester City on Saturday.
And he'll also be absent for domestic matches against Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton, Manchester United and Liverpool as well.
Tottenham travel to City this weekend hoping to bounce back after losing 2-1 to Ipswich Town prior to the recent international break.
Pep Guardiola's side have endured a nightmare past month or so, however, having lost all four of their last matches - with a shock defeat to Brighton seeing them fall further behind Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.
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