Son Heung-min, a forward for Tottenham Hotspur, has spoken out for the first time since teammate Rodrigo Bentancur called him a racist. Son claimed to have communicated with Bentancur and that the two had moved on from the ordeal.
The South Korean athlete claimed that the two were brothers in a story that he posted on his official Instagram account.
“I chatted with Lolo. He has apologized and acknowledged that he made a mistake. I would never purposely say anything offensive, lol. Nothing has changed at all; we are still brothers,” Son wrote.
“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one,” he stated.
Additionally, Spurs issued a statement stating that the team will teach its players about excellence and diversity.
“Rodrigo Bentancur made a statement in a video interview, and after the player apologized in public, the club has been helping to provide a good resolution to the situation. All participants will receive additional instruction in keeping with our diversity, equality, and inclusion goals.”
When Bentancur appeared on Uruguayan TV earlier this month, a presenter asked him for a Tottenham shirt belonging to one of his teammates before Copa America.
“Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?” inquired the reporter. Bentancur then questioned, “Sonny?” “Or any other champion?” the journalist then inquired.
“Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same,” Bentancur retorted. The reporter answered, “Yes, of course!!”
The Urugayan’s remark offended people both inside and outside of the Korean community as soon as it went viral on social media. The group Kick It Out, which works to eradicate racism and discrimination in sports, reported receiving a sizable number of complaints on Bentacur’s actions on national television.
Regarding Rodrigo Bentancur’s remarks on his Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min, Kick It Out has got a lot of reports. The club and the appropriate authorities have already received these reports,” the organization stated.
Bentacur apologized to Son in an Instagram statement as the situation worsened.
“Hey, Sonny! I’m sorry for what transpired; it was just a really poor prank. You are aware of my affection for you, and I promise never to treat you badly or injure anyone else. Brother, you have my affection.”
Next month, when the London-based team plays in Asia for the preseason, Son and Bentancur will be back together for Spurs.
