Rodrigo Bentancur has faced severe criticism after his red card sabotaged Tottenham Hotspur during their game against Manchester United on Saturday.
Introduced as a substitute for Lucas Bergvall in the 66th minute, Rodrigo Bentancur lasted only 12 minutes on the pitch before receiving his marching orders for a confrontation with Luke Shaw. The Manchester United left-back shoved the Spurs midfielder to the ground, and he decided to headbutt Shaw. Stuart Attwell deemed it to be violent conduct, before immediately brandishing a red card to the Uruguayan international.
🚨🎙️ – Roberto De Zerbi on Bentancur's red card:
"To be honest, I LIKED the situation where Rodrigo Bentancur got this red card. I KISSED HIM inside the dressing room." pic.twitter.com/Sh2lPYLzRV
— (fan) Frank 🧠🇾🇪 (@FrankEra_) October 10, 2026
Bentancur’s dismissal put his team at a competitive disadvantage during the critical moments of the fixture at Old Trafford, but the Lilywhites showed grit and character to overcome the adversity and salvage a point against the Red Devils. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has defended Attwell’s decision to send off Bentancur for a headbutt to Shaw.
Suspension length for Rodrigo Bentancur
As a direct consequence of his dismissal for violent conduct, Bentancur will serve a three-match domestic suspension. This means the 29-year-old will miss the upcoming fixtures against Coventry City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Tottenham are unlikely to appeal the red card decision since they would be risking the punishment being extended to four games as a penalty if the FA deems the club’s challenge as “frivolous or completely without merit” and considers it an attempt to delay the suspension. So, De Zerbi will not be able to use the Uruguayan star’s services for the next three fixtures, starting from Coventry City next week.
Beyond missing crucial matches, Bentancur’s place in De Zerbi’s plans appears in jeopardy. De Zerbi would have preferred to have the reliable South American available during the club’s troubled times, particularly after the calming influence and balance he’s offered to his midfield. However, the 29-year-old’s impulsive loss of head when the game was evenly poised at Old Trafford compromised Tottenham’s chances of getting their first league win on board.
While De Zerbi revealed after the game that he “kissed” Bentancur for his act of fury that galvanised the squad, he would have been seething inside on the touchline at the experienced midfielder’s petulant behaviour. Nonetheless, Bentancur’s three-game ban now opens the door for the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Mateus Fernandes to stake a claim in De Zerbi’s midfield.