Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou called “outstanding man” Rodrigo Bentancur an “incredible teammate” and backed Spurs’ decision to appeal the length of his seven-game ban for racist abuse at captain Heung-Min Son.
Bentancourt was sanctioned for comments he made in an interview broadcast on Uruguayan television in June.
The 27-year-old was also fined £100,000 by the Football Association as part of the punishment.
Spurs said in a statement that they “accept Bentancourt’s guilty plea” but “believe the further sanctions are severe”.
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Sky Sports reporter Paul Gilmour explains why the Football Association banned Bentancourt for seven games and fined him £100,000.
Asked how much of a blow Bentancourt’s absence will be, Postecoglou said in an exclusive interview Sky Sports. “It’s disappointing because he’s been great for us this year.
“He is one of those whose football has risen to the level. But we understood that this was coming and it was accepted by everyone, whatever the penalty… I fully support the decision of the club to appeal, but we know at the end of the day , that it will be for X number of games.
“We’ll work with Rodrigo through that and make sure he has all our support in all the right ways during that time so that when he’s available again he’s ready to go.
“I haven’t spoken to him since it was published. He’s gone in Uruguay. I’ve spoken to him before. He’s ready to take any penalty and we’re going to support him to him
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The Mirror’s assistant editor Darren Lewis suggests that Heng-Min Son’s support for Bentancourt does not change the fact that he used a racial slur and football should have a zero-tolerance and upheld seven-game ban.
“One thing is undeniable to me, because I know him, he’s an incredible teammate. He’s a person of the highest character. I think when that happens, it’s our role to support him. How can we help him?”
The former “Juventus” midfielder was asked to show the “Spurs” player’s shirt and answered:
Although Bentancur was soon apologised, saying it was a “gross offence”, the independent regulatory commission was required to either uphold the FA’s charge or drop the case.
Son said he and Bentancourt remained “brothers” and “nothing has changed” after the Uruguayan immediately apologized to him, admitting he had “made a mistake”.
Spurs’ next seven home games
November 23: Manchester City (a) live Sky Sports
December 1: Fulham (j)
December 5: Bournemouth (a)
December 8: Chelsea (h) – live stream Sky Sports
December 15: Southampton (a)
December 19: Manchester United (j) live Sky Sports, Carabao Cup quarter-finals
December 22: Liverpool (h) – live broadcast Sky Sports
