Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancourt, who caused controversy over his racist remarks against his teammate Son Heung-min during the off-season, has been banned from seven matches and fined 100,000 pounds (about 180 million won).
The English Football Association (FA) said in a statement on the 18th (local time) that Bentancourt violated FA regulations by acting inappropriately or using abusive or offensive words to bring the game’s reputation down.
The FA continued, “Bentancourt has denied the allegations, but the independent regulatory committee determines that the allegations have been proven after a hearing and imposes sanctions.”
Earlier in June, Bentancourt appeared on his country’s (Uruguay) broadcast and asked questions about Son Heung-min, saying, “I don’t know if you bring Son Heung-min’s cousin’s uniform. He looks just like Son Heung-min or his cousin,” sparking a controversy over racism.
As the controversy 야옹이‘s spread, Bentancourt immediately apologized through SNS, and Son Heung-min also accepted it and showed a big-time attitude. However, controversy continued, and eventually, the FA began a fact-finding investigation and the disciplinary action was confirmed.
Tottenham, which currently has five wins, one draw and five losses, is in 10th place in the Premier League and needs a rebound. In this situation, Bentancourt, a key midfielder, will not be able to play seven games, causing damage to the club.
In particular, if you look at Tottenham’s future schedule, you will be very disappointed with the absence of one player. After the A-match in November, the opponent is the Premier League away match against Manchester City, which ranks second in the league.
Five days later, Bentancourt will be able to play in the Europa League with AS Roma. This is because the punishment applies only to games played in England. Therefore, Bentancourt will be allowed to play in an away match of the Europa League with Rangers on August 12, following the match against Rome on August 28.
However, the team has strong opponents in both the League and the EFL Cup. It will invite Fulham to its home ground on April 1, play EFL Cup games against Bournemouth (away), Chelsea (home), and Southampton (away) on April 19, and then play league leaders Liverpool on April 19.
November 23 Manchester City (EPL, away)
AS Roma (Europa League, home) not applicable on November 28
Fulham, Dec. 1 (EPL, Home)
Bournemouth (EPL, away) on December 5
December 8 Chelsea (EPL, home)
12 December Rangers (Europa League, away) not available
15 December Southampton (EPL, away)
December 19 Manchester United (EFL Cup, home)
December 22nd Liverpool (EPL, home)