Tottenham accused of 'extending the pain' in racism row after failed appeal against Rodrigo Bentancur's seven-game ban

The Uruguay international was suspended for comments he made about Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min while on television in his homeland. The north London team appealed to have the ban reduced, but the Football Association announced on Tuesday that the midfielder will sit out the full seven games.

Following confirmation of the FA's decision, Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation, a non-profit organisation for East & South East Asian communities named after the former player and manager of Chinese and English parentage, have revealed the outrage that Spurs' actions have caused.

"Kick It Out received more reports about Tottenham’s decision to appeal against the discrimination sanction for Rodrigo Bentancur than the original incident itself," a joint-statement read.

"Many of the reports from the East and Southeast Asian community and beyond told us how angry and disappointed they were with the club’s actions and how it extended the pain for those who were affected by the original incident.

"We know this has been an upsetting episode for many fans and hope the club will now reflect on its decision and how it might seek to engage with the community."

Bentancur, having already served five of the seven-game ban, will now miss the Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Manchester United on Thursday and the Premier League showdown against Liverpool on Sunday. He will be available for the trip to Nottingham Forest on December 26.