Tottenham release statement on Rodrigo Bentancur after racial slur aimed at club captain Son Heung-min
TOTTENHAM have released a statement on Rodrigo Bentancur after he apologised for a racial slur aimed at club captain Son Heung-min.
Bentancur was on Uruguayan TV when he was asked by a presenter for a Spurs shirt.
He replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
Bentancur later apologised online and said his comments were a “very bad joke”.
Spurs also said in a statement: “Following a comment from Rodrigo Bentancur in an interview video clip and the player’s subsequent public apology, the Club has been providing assistance in ensuring a positive outcome on the matter.
“This will include further education for all players in line with our diversity, equality and inclusion objectives.
“We fully support that our captain Sonny feels that he can draw a line under the incident and that the team can focus on the new season ahead.
“We are extremely proud of our diverse, global fanbase and playing squads.
“Discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club, within our game or within wider society.”
Bentancur took to Instagram to post: “Sonny brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke.
“You know I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you, brother!”
Bentancur was signed by Tottenham in 2022 and has since made 69 appearances, with 25 last season when Son was his captain.
The Spurs and South Korea star later accepted his team-mate’s apology.
Son said: “I have spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.
“Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.
“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre season to fight for our club as one.”