A Premier League star has been slapped with a seven-match suspension and a staggering R2.2 million fine – here is why.
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As announced on the English FA's official website, Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur has been punished following an investigation into comments he made relating to his teammate Son Heung-min.
The midfielder, who shares a dressing room with Son at Tottenham Hotspur, has been banned for seven games and will also have to a pay a fine of £100 000 (R2.2 million).
A statement on the FA's website 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."
In an interview in his home country, Bentancur suggested South Koreans "all look the same".
The midfielder reportedly later issued an apology to his Spurs colleague, with Son saying at the time that he and the former Juventus star remain "brothers".
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The means Bentancur will only be available again on Boxing Day after he misses games against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton and Liverpool.
