Tottenham lose key star in fresh blow as Postecoglou could be forced into system change at Man City
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur faces the possibility of a seven-game domestic ban following allegations of making a racially insensitive comment about his teammate Son Heung-min, according to The Sun.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan international was charged by the FA in September for an “aggravated breach” of conduct rules, which carries a penalty ranging from six to 12 games.
The exact timing of the ban remains uncertain, but if it takes effect soon, Bentancur could miss critical upcoming matches, including a high-stakes clash against Manchester City—a game Tottenham is determined to win after a recent loss to Ipswich.
With the team in a pivotal phase, manager Ange Postecoglou faces potential adjustments in his lineup. Having already secured a victory against Manchester City earlier this season, Postecoglou would be tasked with rethinking strategies if Bentancur is absent.
City, currently facing a five-game losing streak, are under mounting pressure to deliver results, which only heightens the stakes of the fixture. If Bentancur is unavailable, Tottenham could turn to Yves Bissouma as a direct replacement, despite Bissouma’s inconsistency this season.
Alternatively, Postecoglou might consider modifying the formation, perhaps shifting to a four-man midfield to reinforce the defense. While Tottenham has generally relied on a 4-3-3 structure, this ongoing inconsistency could prompt a tactical evolution.
The issue surrounding Bentancur began in June, when he reportedly made remarks that drew criticism for their racial overtones. During an interview on Uruguayan television, Bentancur allegedly commented that “all South Korean people look the same,” when asked about Son.
According to the translation reported by The Sun, when a reporter inquired, “Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?” Bentancur responded by naming “Sonny” (Son Heung-min). The journalist then added, “Or any other champion,” to which Bentancur replied, “Or any cousin of Sonny; they all look more or less the same.”
These remarks have led to significant backlash, with Bentancur offering both public and private apologies in response to the criticism.
The FA is now close to issuing its final verdict, which is anticipated to underscore its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on racism.
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