Son Heung-min breaks silence on Tottenham teammate Rodrigo Bentancur's racist comment

Tottenham Hotspur forward, Son Heung-min, has opened up for the first time after teammateRodrigo Bentancur used a racial slur when referring to him. Son said he had spoken toBentancur and that the two were 'past' the incident.

The South Korean player took to his official Instagram handle to post a story asserting that the two were brothers.

"I've spoken with Lolo. 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," wrote Son.

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"We're past this, we're united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one," he added.

Spurs also released a statement saying the club will educate the players on the diversity and quality.

"Following a comment from Rodrigo Bentancur in an interview video clip and the player’s subsequent public apology, the club has been providing assistance in ensuring a positive outcome on the matter. This will include further education for all players in line with our diversity, equality and inclusion objectives."

Watch | Premier League: Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min involve in furious row

What did Bentancur do?

Earlier this month, appearing onUruguayan TV ahead of Copa America, Bentancur was asked by a presenter for a Tottenham shirt of one of his teammates.

The reporter asked: "Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?" to which Bentancur asked "Sonny?" and the journalist said, "Or any other champion?"

Bentancur replied: "Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same!" to which the reporter replied, "Yes, of course!!"

The Uruguayan's comment instantly went viral on social media, causing offence in the Korean community and outside.Kick It Out, the organisation which seeks to end racism and discrimination in sport said it received a significant number of complaints about Bentacur's conduct on national TV.

"Kick It Out has received a significant number of reports about Rodrigo Bentancur's comments regarding his Tottenham team-mate Son Heung-min. These reports have already been sent to the club and relevant authorities," the organisation said.

As the situation snowballed, Bentancur released a statement on Instagram, apologising to Son.

"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!"

Both Son and Bentancur will reunite for Spurs next month during the pre-season as the London-based club travels to Asia.

(With inputs from agencies)