Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a hefty fine by an independent regulatory commission for his pre-season comments about Son Heung-min.
The punishment relates to racist comments made by Bentancur about Spurs teammate Son before the 2024/25 season. The seven-game ban will only apply to domestic matches, meaning the midfielder remains available for Spurs in the Europa League.
Bentancur will also have to pay a £100,000 fine as an extension of the punishment.
“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,” an FA statement read.
“It was alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder 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. It was 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 denied this charge, but the independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing.”
What games will Rodrigo Bentancur miss for Spurs?
Bentancur has played all but one Premier League game for Spurs this season and has been among their top performers, even when the team has struggled.
His absence will be a huge blow for Tottenham, who have some challenging games coming up.
Although Bentancur can play in the Europa League, he will miss Premier League fixtures against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton and Liverpool, as well as the EFL Cup quarter-final meeting with Manchester United.
During that time, Bentancur will be free to face Roma and Rangers in the Europa League.
