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The incident dates back to June, when Bentancur appeared on Canal 10.
Asked to display a teammate’s shirt, the 27-year-old quipped, “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too, as they all look the same.”
His comment, perceived as racially insensitive, sparked immediate backlash.
Bentancur was charged with misconduct in September under FA Rule E3.1, which includes an “aggravated breach” when comments reference nationality, race, or ethnic origin. Despite denying the charge, an independent regulatory commission upheld the case, imposing the suspension and fine.
In response to the incident, Bentancur issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, writing: “[Sonny] brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke! You know I love you and would never disrespect or hurt you or anyone else!”
Son Heung-Min, Tottenham’s captain, publicly defended Bentancur, saying: “I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo would not intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers, and nothing has changed at all. We’re past this, united, and ready to fight for our club.”
Tottenham Hotspur also issued a statement affirming their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education for their players. “Discrimination of any kind has no place at our club, within our game, or society,” it read.
Bentancur’s suspension rules him out of key Premier League matches against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool but allows participation in Europa League ties against Roma and Rangers.
Spurs travel to Manchester City on November 23.
The incident dates back to June, when Bentancur appeared on Canal 10.
Asked to display a teammate’s shirt, the 27-year-old quipped, “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too, as they all look the same.”
His comment, perceived as racially insensitive, sparked immediate backlash.
Bentancur was charged with misconduct in September under FA Rule E3.1, which includes an “aggravated breach” when comments reference nationality, race, or ethnic origin. Despite denying the charge, an independent regulatory commission upheld the case, imposing the suspension and fine.
In response to the incident, Bentancur issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, writing: “[Sonny] brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke! You know I love you and would never disrespect or hurt you or anyone else!”
Son Heung-Min, Tottenham’s captain, publicly defended Bentancur, saying: “I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo would not intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers, and nothing has changed at all. We’re past this, united, and ready to fight for our club.”
Tottenham Hotspur also issued a statement affirming their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education for their players. “Discrimination of any kind has no place at our club, within our game, or society,” it read.
Bentancur’s suspension rules him out of key Premier League matches against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool but allows participation in Europa League ties against Roma and Rangers.
Spurs travel to Manchester City on November 23.
