Rodrigo Bentancur is facing a ban over bizarre Son Heung-min comment suggesting South Koreans ‘all look the same’ as Tottenham star is charged by FA

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is facing a ban after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association in relation to his comments about the appearance of South Koreans in June.

The Spurs midfielder made the bizarre remark during an interview with Uruguayan TV when asked for captain Son Heung-Min’s shirt.

Bentancur responded to the question telling the interviewer that he should get a jersey from Son’s cousin because ‘they all look the same’.

The 27-year-old has since apologised but has been informed that he has until Thursday 19 September to respond.

Bentancur is cleared to face Arsenal in the North London derby this weekend, whether he is guilty or not .

 Bentancur (left) appeared to suggest South Koreans ‘all look the same’ during a TV interview

Bentancur has since issued an apology to team-mate and Spurs captain Son Heung-min (left)

A statement from the FA read: ‘Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.

‘It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.

‘It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’ which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.’

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out revealed that they received a ‘significant number’ of complaints after the comment was aired on Canal 10.

Bentancur later took to Instagram to apologise amid a backlash towards his comments.

‘Sonny brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke,’ Bentancur wrote. ‘You know I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you brother!’ 

His apology could be used in mitigation by the FA when deciding any potential punishment.

Edinson Cavani, who was playing for Manchester United at the time, was handed a three-match ban and £100,000 fine in 2020 after using the word ‘negrito’ in a social media post. 

Former Man United striker Edinson Cavani was hit with a three-match ban for using the word ‘negrito’ on social media in 2020

Bentancur would miss matches against Brentford, United, and Brighton if handed a similar ban

The striker sent the message to a friend via an Instagram story after scoring a brace against Southampton in a 3-2 win for the Red Devils.

If Bentancur is found guilty and is hit with a similar ban, he could miss fixtures against Brentford, United, and Brighton, all in the Premier League.