What's happened
Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur faces charges from the FA for a comment made on Uruguayan TV, perceived as racially insensitive towards teammate Son Heung-min. The incident has drawn significant backlash, prompting an apology from Bentancur and a statement from the FA regarding the nature of the charge.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Bentancur's comment was deemed an 'aggravated breach' of FA rules, which includes references to nationality or race. The FA stated, 'Rodrigo Bentancur has until Thursday 19 September 2024 to provide a response to this charge.' Meanwhile, The Independent reported that Son Heung-min accepted Bentancur's apology, emphasizing their brotherhood and unity within the team. This reflects a nuanced response to the incident, balancing accountability with support. Sky News noted that the charity Kick It Out received a 'significant number' of complaints, indicating the seriousness of the public's reaction to the comment.
How we got here
In June, Bentancur made a controversial remark about Son Heung-min during a TV interview, which led to complaints from the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out. The FA has now charged him with misconduct, citing an 'aggravated breach' of its rules.
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