Tottenham Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been suspended for seven matches by the Football Association for an alleged racist remark made against teammate Son Heung-min in a television interview.

Bentancur was charged by the FA on 12 September for alleged misconduct in relation to a media interview, which was published in June and showed Bentancur being asked by the Channel 10 presenter to show a Spurs player’s jersey.

Former Juventus player Bentancur replied: “Sonny’s? It could also be Sonny’s cousin, since they all look the same.

Although Bentancur quickly apologized, given that it was an “aggravated breach”, an independent panel of the regulatory commission had to either uphold the FA’s accusation or dismiss the case.

The independent regulatory commission panel upheld the charge and Bentancur should step down. Tottenhamof the next seven domestic matches, but could feature for the club in the next Europa League matches with Roma and Rangers.

An FA spokesperson said: “An independent regulatory commission has imposed a seven-match ban and £100,000 fine on Rodrigo Bentancur for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.

“It has been alleged that the Tottenham The Hotspur midfielder breached FA Rule E3.1 by acting inappropriately and/or using abusive and/or insulting language and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

An independent regulatory commission has imposed a seven-match ban and £100,000 fine on Rodrigo Bentancur for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.

Full declaration: pic.twitter.com/yhJ2mhOPtC

– FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) November 18, 2024

“It was further alleged that this constituted an ‘aggravated breach’, defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – express or implied – to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.

“Rodrigo Bentancur denied the accusation, but the Independent Regulatory Commission found it proven and imposed sanctions following a hearing.”

Liverpool meeting Tottenham in the Premier League December 22 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – this will be the last match of Bentancur’s ban.