Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-Min Son says his team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur “made a mistake” when utilizing a racial slur about him, however the pair are actually “past this and united”.
The Uruguay worldwide had been requested by the host of TV present Canal 10 in his homeland for a Tottenham participant’s shirt, to which he replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
After the clip, which had been circulated on social media, drew criticism, Bentancur swiftly apologised to the South Korea worldwide, writing on Instagram: “Sonny brother. I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke.
“You recognize I like you and I’d by no means disrespect you or harm you or anybody else! I like you, brother!”
Despite Bentancur’s apology, however, discrimination charity Kick It Out said a “vital quantity” of reports had been received by the organisation.
A statement from the charity read: “Kick It Out has acquired a big variety of reviews about Rodrigo Bentancur’s feedback concerning his Tottenham team-mate Heung-Min Son. These reviews have already been despatched to the membership and related authorities.
“We recognise Bentancur has acknowledged the offence caused, however it highlights a wider issue that heavily affects East Asian and wider communities.
“We will likely be in search of to handle these broader points within the coming season.”
Tottenham have since launched their very own assertion, saying: “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 absolutely help that our captain Sonny feels that he can draw a line below the incident and that the crew can give attention to the brand new season forward.
“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.”
The 2 gamers have been team-mates since Bentancur joined the north London membership from Juventus in January 2022.
Bentancur is at the moment making ready to signify his nation at this summer season’s Copa America in america, which begins on June 20.
