Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the FA for remarks he made about his Tottenham Hotspur colleague Son Heung-min during an interview.
In a contentious video shot over the summer, Bentancur said, "They all look the same," in response to a question about how to distinguish between Son and his cousin.
According to an FA statement, Rodrigo Bentancur has been accused of violating FA Rule E3 due to misconduct during a media interview.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is accused of acting improperly, using derogatory or abusive language, and/or bringing the sport into disrepute, in violation of FA Rule E3.1.
According to FA Rule E3.2, "it is further alleged that this is a 'aggravated breach' because it contains an explicit or implicit reference to nationality, ethnicity, or ethnic origin.
Rodrigo Bentancur can reply to this accusation until Thursday, September 19, 2024."
Bentancur is available for Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal since he can still play for Tottenham before that date. Potential penalties might include up to a 12-game suspension or participation in an instructional program.
Following the incident, Son stated that Bentancur had expressed regret for this remark.
Speaking with Lolo [Bentancur], I have. Son said in June, "He made a mistake, he knows this, and he has apologised."
"Lolo would never mean to say something offensive on purpose. We are brothers, and not a single thing has changed.
"We're past this, we're united and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one."
At the time, Tottenham released the following statement: "The Club has been assisting in securing a positive result on the subject following a comment made by Rodrigo Bentancur in an interview video clip and the player's subsequent public apology. As part of our diversity, equality, and inclusion goals, all participants will receive additional education in this regard.
"We wholeheartedly endorse Sonny's belief that he can put the situation behind him and turn his attention to the upcoming season.
"We take great pride in the diversified, international fan base and playing squads we have. Any form of discrimination is not acceptable in our club, our game, or the larger society."
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