Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur is facing a seven-match ban for an an alleged racist remark about club team-mate Son Heung-min. The 27-year-old appeared on Uruguayan TV in June, where he was asked to supply a jersey worn by a fellow Spurs player.
"Sonny’s?" he replied, before adding it would also be the striker's cousin because they are "more or less they are all the same."
Following an investigation, the FA confirmed in September the midfielder had been charged for an 'aggravated breach' of their regulations.
And according to the Mail, the authority are now set to confirm that Bentacur will be unavailable to Ange Postecoglou for seven matches. It represents another hammer blow to the Australian manager following Sunday's harrowing 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich.
That loss came after Thursday's European defeat in Galatasaray. But despite the stuttering team form, the ex-Juventus man has been among his side's best performers this season.
If a seven-match sanction gets confirmed, Postecoglou will be without one of his key men for Premier League games with Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Southampton. He'll also be absent for the crucial Europa League matches with Roma and Rangers.
Sky Sports, UHD, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix
£52 £43 View Deal
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.
Shortly after the controversy arose in the summer, club captain Son swiftly spoke out to reveal the pair had spoken about the comments. "I've spoken with Lolo (Bentancur)," he said on Instagram.
"He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all. We're past this, we're united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one."
Spurs vowed to address the issue. A club statement read: "We will continue to educate players in line with our diversity, equality and inclusion objectives. 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 use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Don't miss...
Match of the Day pundit slams BBC for 'cop out' Gary Lineker replacement plan [LATEST]
Ruben Amorim makes first demand to Man Utd players in behind the scenes footage [LATEST]
'I was a referee sacked by the Premier League - it's clear how Klopp treated us' [LATEST]
Bentacur, who has won 65 caps at international level, has been recalled to the Uruguay squad after being suspended for the World Cup qualifying games against Peru and Ecuador last month. His side now host Colombia on Saturday, before heading to Brazil four days later.
He mas made 82 appearances for Spurs since his move from Juve in January 2022. His 2023/24 campaign however, was plagued by injury problems after tearing ankle ligaments.