14 June 2024 , 21:54
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Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has issued a grovelling apology to Son Heung-min after an awful joke on live TV.
The 26-year-old was featured on football programme Por la Camiseta, which is broadcast in his native Uruguay, during his post-season holiday. He is currently relaxing ahead of playing for for his nation at the upcoming Copa America in the USA.
During his interview, the host asked him for Tottenham teammate and South Korea captain Son Heung-min’s shirt. It is understood that Bentancur then shockingly replied “maybe from his cousin” as “they all look the same”.
Bentacur’s comments have garnered plenty of criticism and he has now taken to social media with an apology. Writing on his Instagram story, he said: “Sony brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke! You know that I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you brother.”
Bentancur, 26, joined Spurs from Juventus midway through the 2021./22 campaign. He has since made 69 appearances for the club, scoring six times. He has struggled with injury over the past couple of seasons.
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Bentancur’s apology comes just a year after South Korean forward Son was subject to racist abuse during a 2-0 victory against West Ham in February 2023. A statement from Spurs at the time read: "We have been made aware of the utterly reprehensible online racist abuse directed at Heung-Min Son during today's match, which has been reported by the club.
"We stand with Sonny and once again call on the social media companies and authorities to take action." The FA also responded to the incident.
Rodrigo Bentancur has apologised for his comment about Son Heung-min (Getty Images)A statement from the governing body read: "We strongly condemn the racist abuse aimed at Son Heung-min. This has no place in our game and we fully support the authorities and social media companies to take the strongest possible action to tackle it."
Unfortunately, Son was a target of yet more racist abuse just months later in a game against Crystal Palace. A 44-year-old man was given a three-year ban for his actions, as well as being hit with 60 hours of unpaid work and fined £1,384.
A statement from Spurs in November read: “We thank the police for their cooperation on the matter. We should like to reiterate that the club does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and will always seek for the strongest possible action to be taken against those found responsible.”
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