Cavani faces three match ban after Instagram post

Manchester United forward Edison Cavani faces three match ban after Instagram post

Edison Cavani will miss United's next three games after being axed by the FA over a sensitive Instagram post

Manchester United veteran striker, Edison Cavani has been handed a 3 match ban and fined £100,000 by the English FA following an inquiry into an Instagram post he made after their comeback win over Southampton in November.

 

Edison Cavani came off the bench to score twice and assist another to help United to a 3-2 win over the Saints having trailed 2-0 at half time.

 

The Uruguayan took to Instagram to celebrate, He wrote in Spanish, "gracias, negrito" -- a term that can be interpreted as racist in the United Kingdom. He has since deleted the post and duly apologized but the FA took an exception to the post and will punish Cavani severely.

 

 

Although it is widely used as a term of endearment in South America and the Caribbean, the word is regarded in England, as well as within parts of the Afro Uruguayan community, as carrying racial connotations, prompting the FA to investigate Cavani's post.

The Uruguay international, who has been enrolled in an education program will miss games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford.

Sources however claim that United have asked the FA to use the fine to fund anti-racism projects.

A statement released by the club on Thursday read: "As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn't aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologized for the post and to anyone who was offended.

"Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football.

"While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent Regulatory Commission was required to impose a minimum three-game suspension.

"The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post."

A statement issued by the FA read: "Edinson Cavani has been suspended for three games, fined £100,000, and must complete face-to-face education after admitting a charge for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020.

"A comment posted on the Manchester United FC striker's Instagram page was insulting, abusive, and improper and brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1. The post also constitutes an "aggravated breach," which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to color and/or race and/or ethnic origin.

"An independent Regulatory Commission was appointed to decide the sanction and its written reasons will be published in due course."