On November 21, in response to Tottenham’s intention to appeal the seven-match suspension of Rodrigo Bentancur, multiple South Korean media outlets, including Sports Chosun, have criticized the move, stating that this is another instance of the club “stabbing” the original victim, Son Heung-min, in the back.
Bentancur was suspended for seven matches due to inappropriate remarks he made about his teammate, Son Heung-min. Despite Bentancur’s immediate apology and Son Heung-min’s acceptance of it, acknowledging that Bentancur’s actions were unintentional, Bentancur still received a seven-match ban.
Tottenham, however, believes that the seven-match suspension for Bentancur is too severe and that it appears to be disproportionately harsh compared to similar cases in the past. The club intends to appeal the decision.
However, South Korean media argue that Tottenham’s appeal disregards the feelings of the victim, Son Heung-min. As fellow Tottenham players, the club has shown no consideration for Son Heung-min’s emotions, given that Bentancur’s suspension was a result of his “mockery” of Son Heung-min.
Additionally, Tottenham’s ambiguous stance in contract renewal negotiations with Son Heung-min, only willing to activate the +1 clause in the existing contract rather than offering him a new deal, is seen as a clear sign of disrespect. Now, with the Bentancur incident, Son Heung-min has once again been “stabbed in the back” by the club.
