"A very bad joke" - Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur apologizes to Son Heung-min for using racial slur on national television

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has apologized to superstar teammate Son Heung-min after using an insensitive racial slur on Uruguayan national television. The clip, which came from his appearance on Canal 10 show Por la Camiseta, was circulated on social media and was met with severe backlash from fans.

Show host Rafa Cotelo asked the 26-year-old for a Spurs player's shirt. To this, he replied (via BBC):

"Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."

After being harshly criticized for the racist comments, Bentancur took to Instagram on Friday, June 14, to address a direct apology to Son. On his story, he wrote (via BBC):

"Sonny brother. I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke. You know I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you, brother!"

The Uruguayan midfielder moved from Italian giants Juventus to Tottenham Hotspur for €19 million in January 2022. He has made 69 appearances for Spurs, netting seven goals and adding as many assists.

Of those 69, he shared the pitch with Son on 59 occasions, assisting him in their 6-2 thumping of Leicester City in September 2022. They are known to be great friends, having publicly expressed their camaraderie and praised each other.

Bentancur is currently gearing up to represent Uruguay at the upcoming Copa America tournament. They are set to open their campaign against Panama on June 23, and will also take on Bolivia (June 27) and United States (July 1).

Spurs teammates Rodrigo Bentancur and Son Heung-min are great friends, have praised each other in the past

Before their group stage encounter in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Spurs teammates Rodrigo Bentancur and Son Heung-min had nothing but praise for each other.

The Uruguayan midfielder had said (via tottenhamhotspur.com):

"I think we’ve got a tough group and playing against Son too... South Korea are a really good team. I’ve already played against Son in a couple of friendlies and I know how hard he can make life for our defenders. He’s great in one-v-one situations, he can shoot with both feet and he’s a lethal striker in front of goal."

On the other hand, the South Korean superstar said (via tottenhamhotspur.com):

"All groups are tough, but I think this group is especially tough. That said, I’m really looking forward to coming up against Rodrigo. Facing a team-mate in the World Cup is special and something you’ll never forget."

During the game, the Spurs teammates were seen shaking hands, followed by Bentancur putting his hands around Son and embracing him.

After the game, which ended 0-0, they were seen hugging each other and having a quick talk as well.

When Bentancur returned from his ACL tear in Spurs' 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in October 2023, Son said:

"It makes me smile. What an unbelievable player to have in our squad... When he came on, I was getting emotional because he’s a good friend of mine. I enjoy every single moment with him, even last season when I was suffering with injury, he was always pushing me."