Tottenham Manager Ange Postecoglou Supports Appeal Against Bentancur’s Seven-Match Ban

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has described midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur as an “outstanding person” who committed a “mistake” by making a racial slur directed at team-mate Son Heung-min. Despite a seven-game domestic suspension, Bentancur (left) remains eligible for Europa League fixtures. The 27-year-old Uruguay international received a seven-match ban from the Football Association earlier this week. This followed remarks he made during an appearance on Uruguayan television in June. Spurs have lodged an appeal against this sanction, stating their acceptance of the guilty finding but disputing the severity of the penalty. “I fully support the club’s decision to appeal the severity of the ban,” Postecoglou informed Sky Sports. He added, “I spoke to him in the lead-up [to the FA’s decision] and as I said he understands he’s made a mistake and he’s prepared to accept whatever penalty comes his way. “We as a club are going to support him because the one thing that’s undeniable to me – because I know him – is that he’s an outstanding person, an unbelievable team-mate and a person of the utmost character that’s made a mistake.” Postecoglou confirmed his acceptance of the FA’s guilty verdict and acknowledged that Bentancur would miss several upcoming matches. During the controversial media interview, when a presenter requested a Tottenham shirt, Bentancur responded: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.” Bentancur subsequently issued an apology on social media, characterizing his comments as a “very bad joke.” He also apologized directly to South Korea forward Son, who stated that his team-mate would “not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive.” Although Bentancur denied the charge, he was fined £100,000 and mandated to complete a face-to-face education program. The suspension means Bentancur will be absent from Premier League fixtures against teams including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, as well as a Carabao Cup quarter-final match versus Manchester United. He is still available to play in Europa League matches.