Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to face a significant ban, as the FA concludes its ongoing investigation.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be without the Uruguayan midfielder, who has been an influential figure this season, with a report from The Daily Mail indicating he could miss a substantial number of matches—potentially as many as seven.

Bentancur allegedly made a racist comment towards South Koreans on Uruguayan television, with the FA confirming it has charged the midfielder for an ‘aggravated breach’ of its rules.

The incident reportedly left Bentancur remorseful, particularly given that Tottenham’s captain, Heung-Min Son, is South Korean. Son revealed his team-mate was close to tears when he apologised.

In September, Son stated: “Because of the FA process, I can’t say much at the moment, but I love Rodrigo, I really do. We’ve shared a lot of great memories since he joined.”

He continued: “He realised straight away and apologised immediately. We were on holiday, I was at home, and I didn’t even know what had happened when he sent me a long message, which really came from the heart.

“When we returned for pre-season, he was genuinely sorry and almost cried as he apologised both publicly and privately. We’re all human and make mistakes, and we learn from them.”

Son added: “He knows he made a mistake, but I have no issue with him. We’ll move forward as team-mates, friends, and brothers.”

The report states Bentancur is ‘likely to be handed a substantial ban due to the racial slur’.

In addition to his private apology, Bentancur also took to social media to express his regret. Tottenham released a statement, saying: “Following a comment made by Rodrigo Bentancur in a video interview and his subsequent public apology, the Club has provided support to help ensure a positive resolution to this matter.

“This support includes further education for all players in line with our diversity, equality, and inclusion objectives.

“We fully support our captain, Sonny, in drawing a line under the incident so the team can focus on the season ahead.

“We are immensely proud of our diverse, global fanbase and playing squad. Discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club, in our sport, or in wider society.”