Why Rodrigo Bentancur 'received' long Tottenham ban but FA 'ignored' Enzo Fernandez Chelsea controversy

Rodrigo Bentancur's seven-game suspension has prompted Tottenham fans to question the regularity of the FA's rulings, particularly the case this year involving Chelsea player Enzo Fernandez.

Rodrigo Bentancur.

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An independent regulatory authority banned Bentancur from domestic competitions for seven games and fined him £100,000 for comments he made to a reporter against Spurs captain Son Heung-min. Tottenham has a certain amount of time to determine whether to appeal the judgment.

The Uruguayan will miss six Premier League games and the Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United before returning to play on Boxing Day. Because it is a domestic punishment, the 27-year-old is permitted to participate in Tottenham's two Europa League games against Roma and Rangers during the suspension.

The commission proved that the Tottenham midfielder violated FA Rule E3.1 by acting inappropriately, using abusive and/or insulting language, and/or bringing the game into disgrace. It was further claimed that this is a "aggravated breach," as described in FA Rule E3.2, because it featured a reference - whether direct or inferred - to nationality, race, and/or ethnic origin.

When questioned about "the Korean's shirt" by a reporter during an interview with a Uruguayan media source, Bentancur responded: "Sonny?" Or one of Sonny's relatives; they all look similar."

Following the announcement of the ban on Monday, several Tottenham fans questioned why, if Bentancur had been accused and punished, the FA had not handled an incident in July involving Chelsea's Fernandez.

The Blues midfielder was caught on camera performing offensive lyrics, including racist and homophobic obscenities directed at French national team players. Some of his Chelsea teammates protested the taunts, and Chelsea launched an investigation into the Argentine. He then donated to an anti-discrimination foundation and apologised to his teammates.

However, the event was beyond of the FA's authority because he was on international duty with his country at the time, competing in the Copa America. That means it was up to FIFA, who had earlier said that they were looking at the situation. The French Football Federation also stated at the moment that it will file a formal complaint on the shouts.

Bentancur's interview was released online in June, but records from the court earlier this month show that it was taped the day after Tottenham's home match against Nottingham Forest in April. That indicated it was within the FA's jurisdiction, and a charge could be filed.