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An independent panel has rejected Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur’s appeal against a seven-match ban.
Bentancur was banned by the Football Association last month, his suspension accompanied by a £100,000 fine, following comments he made about team-mate Son Heung-min in June.
He was found guilty of an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3.2, by using abusive and/or insulting words with a reference – express or implied – to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.
The Uruguayan midfielder appeared on the television program Pro La Camiseta. Presenter Rafa Cotelo asked for a Spurs player’s jersey to which Bentancur responded by saying: “Sonny’s? He could also be Sonny’s cousin, since they all look the same.”
Tottenham and the player accepted the guilty verdict but appealed the severity of the sanction.
An independent Appeals Board has dismissed an appeal brought by Rodrigo Bentancur in relation to his recent suspension.
Full statement: https://t.co/Qz9P3HwD1r pic.twitter.com/AA1ZaCIkpS
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) December 17, 2024
The return of the forests is still likely
However, the FA confirmed today that the punishment will stand, meaning the 27-year-old, who has already missed games against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Southampton, will remain sidelined for the Cup clash. This week’s EFL against Manchester United and the Premier. League match with Liverpool.
Their next league appearance is likely to be against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.
Bentancur, who has been able to play in the Europa League as his ban applies only to domestic matches, was described as an “outstanding person” by Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian said: “He understands he has made a mistake and is willing to accept any penalty that comes his way.
“As a club we are going to support him because, the only thing that is undeniable for me because I know him, he is an exceptional person, an incredible teammate, a person of maximum character who has made a mistake.”
