Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-Min Son says his team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur “made a mistake” when the use of a racial slur about him, however the pair at the moment are “past this and united”.
The Uruguay world were requested through the host of TV display Canal 10 in his place of birth for a Tottenham participant’s blouse, to which he answered: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
Next the clip, which were circulated on social media, drew complaint, Bentancur unexpectedly apologised to the South Korea world, writing on Instagram: “Sonny brother. I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke.
“You realize I like you and I’d by no means disrespect you or harm you or somebody else! I like you, brother!”
Despite Bentancur’s apology, however, discrimination charity Kick It Out said a “vital quantity” of reports had been received by the organisation.
A statement from the charity read: “Kick It Out has gained a vital collection of experiences about Rodrigo Bentancur’s feedback referring to his Tottenham team-mate Heung-Min Son. Those experiences have already been despatched to the membership and related government.
“We recognise Bentancur has acknowledged the offence caused, however it highlights a wider issue that heavily affects East Asian and wider communities.
“We will be able to be in search of to handle those broader problems within the coming season.”
Tottenham have since released their own statement, saying: “Following a remark from Rodrigo Bentancur in an interview video clip and the participant’s next crowd apology, the membership has been offering support in making sure a favorable result at the subject. This may occasionally come with additional schooling for all gamers in layout with our variety, equality and inclusion goals.
“We fully support that our captain Sonny feels that he can draw a line under the incident and that the team can focus on the new season ahead.
“We’re extraordinarily pleased with our various, world fanbase and enjoying squads. Discrimination of any sort has incorrect playground at our membership, inside our recreation or inside wider nation.”
The 2 gamers were team-mates since Bentancur joined the north London membership from Juventus in January 2022.
Bentancur is these days getting ready to constitute his nation at this summer time’s Copa The united states in the US, which begins on June 20.