Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-match suspension and a £100,000 fine by the FA following comments he made about teammate Heung-min Son during a television interview in June. While this ban is significant, it pales in comparison to some of the longest disciplinary sanctions handed out in Premier League history. Here’s a breakdown of Bentancur’s ban and a look back at some of the league’s most infamous suspensions.
Bentancur’s Offense and Ban
The incident occurred during an interview on the Uruguayan TV show Por La Camiseta, where Bentancur made an inappropriate remark about Son and his family, stating that “all South Korean people look the same.” The comment, quickly labeled as a “bad joke” by Bentancur, drew backlash. He apologized publicly, and Son reportedly accepted his apology, with the two appearing to reconcile online.
Despite this, the FA charged Bentancur with an aggravated breach of Rule E3, which prohibits comments referencing nationality, race, or ethnic origin. After an independent review, the seven-game ban was imposed, ruling him out of key fixtures, including games against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Key Matches Bentancur Will Miss
Bentancur’s suspension will see him miss critical Premier League and domestic cup games:
- November 23: Manchester City vs. Tottenham
- December 1: Tottenham vs. Fulham
- December 5: Bournemouth vs. Tottenham
- December 8: Tottenham vs. Chelsea
- December 15: Southampton vs. Tottenham
- December 19: Tottenham vs. Manchester United (Carabao Cup quarter-final)
- December 22: Tottenham vs. Liverpool
Bentancur is set to return on Boxing Day (December 26) for Tottenham’s game against Nottingham Forest.
The Longest Bans in Premier League History
While Bentancur’s seven-game suspension is notable, it is far from the longest or most controversial ban in Premier League history. Here are some of the most infamous incidents:
1. Joey Barton (18 Months)
The longest ban in Premier League history belongs to Joey Barton, who was suspended for 18 months in 2017 for breaching betting rules. Barton admitted to placing over 1,000 bets on football matches, including games he was involved in. The ban effectively ended his career, though it was later reduced to 13 months.
2. Eric Cantona (Nine Months)
In 1995, Manchester United legend Eric Cantona received a nine-month suspension after launching a kung-fu kick at a Crystal Palace fan following a red card. The incident, one of the most infamous in football history, remains a defining moment in Cantona’s career.
3. Mark Bosnich (Nine Months)
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich tested positive for cocaine in 2002, leading to a nine-month suspension. The incident marked the end of his top-flight career.
4. Luis Suarez (Multiple Bans)
Luis Suarez received two lengthy bans during his Premier League career:
- Eight games in 2011 for racially abusing Patrice Evra.
- 10 games in 2013 for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.
Suarez also served a four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup while playing for Uruguay.
Suarez was banned after biting Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup ( Image: Matthias
5. Rio Ferdinand (Eight Months)
In 2003, Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand was banned for eight months and fined £50,000 for missing a routine drugs test. The ban ruled him out of Euro 2004 and cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar career.
6. Paolo Di Canio (11 Games)
The fiery Italian forward was handed an 11-game suspension in 1998 after pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground following a red card during a match between Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal.
7. Kolo Toure (Six Months)
In 2011, Kolo Toure was banned for six months after testing positive for a banned substance found in weight-loss pills provided by his wife. The ban was backdated, allowing him to return for Manchester City’s 2011/12 title-winning campaign.
8. Sandro Tonali (10 Months)
While his ban occurred in Italy, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali missed significant Premier League action due to a 10-month suspension for betting-related offenses in 2023. The punishment highlighted the growing issue of gambling in football.
Impact of Bentancur’s Suspension
Bentancur’s absence comes at a challenging time for Tottenham, with a packed fixture schedule and games against top-tier opponents. The loss of the Uruguayan midfielder will put additional pressure on Spurs’ other midfield options, including Yves Bissouma, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and James Maddison.
Key Concerns for Spurs
- Squad Depth: Tottenham’s ability to rotate players effectively will be tested, especially during the congested December period.
- Carabao Cup Impact: Missing Bentancur for the quarter-final clash against Manchester United is a significant blow.
- Morale and Discipline: Bentancur’s incident serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism, especially in the public eye.
Learning from History
Rodrigo Bentancur’s ban adds his name to the list of players whose actions off the pitch have resulted in significant disciplinary action. While his suspension is not the longest in Premier League history, it underscores the FA’s strict stance on comments that violate its rules on race and nationality.
For Tottenham, the focus will now shift to maintaining momentum without one of their key players. Bentancur, meanwhile, will need to rebuild trust with fans and teammates as he serves his suspension and reflects on his actions.
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