Tottenham midfielder Bentancur gets 7-game ban, $126,000 fine for offensive comment

Footballer banned by Uruguay Football Federation after making 'discriminatory' comment

The Tottenham midfielder was accused of making an 'offensive comment' about South Koreans during a recent match.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been banned for seven matches and fined $126,000 by the Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) for making an offensive comment about South Koreans.

The incident occurred during Uruguay's 2-0 defeat to South Korea in a friendly match on September 24.

Bentancur was accused of making a "discriminatory" comment towards South Korean players during the match.

The AUF investigated the incident and found Bentancur guilty of violating Article 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits "any form of discrimination on account of race, skin color, ethnic origin, language, religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, national or social origin, property, birth or any other status."

Bentancur has apologized for his comment and said that he "deeply regrets" the offense he caused.

"I would like to apologize to the South Korean people and to everyone who was offended by my comment," Bentancur said in a statement.

"I am deeply sorry for the pain and hurt that I have caused."

The AUF's decision is a significant punishment for Bentancur, who is a key player for both Tottenham and Uruguay.

He will now miss Uruguay's next seven matches, including two World Cup qualifiers.

The ban is also a reminder of the importance of respecting diversity and inclusion in football.

Bentancur's comment was widely condemned by fans and pundits, and it is clear that the AUF has taken a strong stance against discrimination in the game.