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Rodrigo Bentancur, the Tottenham Hotspur player, has been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association. This decision by the FA comes after Bentancur made a racist remark for his teammate, Son Heung-min, a South Korean player. The incident happened in June this year when the Uruguay international, Bentancur was asked for Tottenham’s shirt by a host of Canal 10. In reply, Bentancur said “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
However, the 27-year-old went on to apologise and wrote on Instagram that his comment was a "very bad joke". The anti-discriminatory charity foundation ‘Kick It Out’ said it has received multiple complaints regarding the same, forcing the English Football Federation to look into the matter.
Rodrigo charged with breach of FA Rule E3
A statement from the FA said, “Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview. It’s alleged that the Tottenham midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.”
Rodrigo Bentancur can appeal against the verdict till September 19th: FA
As per FA Rule E3, a player charged under the law can be banned from playing from six to 12 games according to the recommendations from the disciplinary committee. Meanwhile, Bentancur can appeal against the verdict till September 19.
“It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’ which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin. Rodrigo Bentancur has until Thursday 19 September 2024 to provide a response to this charge,” the statement from the FA further read.
It is to be noted that Rodrigo joined the team on January 31, 2022 and his contract with the team is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
