The ban applies to the domestic arena, but the Uruguayan will be available in Europa League matches
Midfielder Tottenham Rodrigo Bentancur received from English Football Association (FA) seven-match disqualification for making racist remarks towards his teammate Sona Heung-mina.
Let us remember that the incident happened back in June, when Rodrigo participated in a talk show on Uruguayan television. Speaking about the Korean striker’s T-shirt, Bentancur joked that he could bring the T-shirt of Son’s cousin, who “looks the same” as him.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan subsequently apologized via social media, calling the incident a “very bad joke.” However, repentance did not save the midfielder from serious consequences. It was reported that the disqualification could follow for a period of 6 to 12 matches. Spurs accepted in advance that the midfielder would miss a long period. Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou urged the player to accept the FA’s decision.
The FA accuses Bentancur of breaking rule E3 – “Inappropriate conduct in connection with media interviews.” According to the official verdict, Rodrigo “behaved inappropriately and/or used obscene and/or offensive words and/or was disrespectful.” The offense was aggravated because it “involved a reference, express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”
It should be noted that disqualification applies exclusively to the domestic arena. Thus, Bentancur will miss the Premier League matches against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton and Liverpool, as well as the match with Manchester United in the League Cup.
The ban will end at the end of December, Rodrigo will be able to help Tottenham at Boxing Day. At the same time, Spurs can count on the midfielder in the upcoming Europa League matches – November 28 against Roma (at home) and December 12 against Rangers (away).
Tottenham, having five wins and losses after 11 rounds, is in 10th place in the Premier League. In the general stage of the second-ranking European Cup, Postecoglou’s team is in 7th place with nine points.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
