Edinson Cavani facing lengthy ban after being CHARGED with misconduct by the FA over Instagram post

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is charged with an ‘aggravated’ breach of the FA’s race rules for his ‘negrito’ Instagram post – and now faces a lengthy ban despite club claiming ‘absolutely no malicious intent’

  • Edinson Cavani used the racial term when responding to a friend on Instagram 
  • The Uruguayan had scored twice to help Manchester United beat Southampton 
  • He deleted the post three hours later and he and the club issued an apology 
  • But now the 33-year-old is facing a lengthy ban following the FA’s charge

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged by the FA for using the word ‘negrito’ in a social media post.

Cavani landed himself in trouble after replying to a friend on Instagram following his match-winning performance at Southampton last month.

The Uruguay striker deleted the post and apologised after he was informed that the word is offensive in this country, but it was not enough to avoid action from the FA.

Edinson Cavani has been charged by the FA with misconduct following his 'Gracias negrito' Instagram post

Edinson Cavani has been charged by the FA with misconduct following his ‘Gracias negrito’ Instagram post

Man United striker Cavani used the racial term when replying to a friend on Instagram on after

Man United striker Cavani used the racial term when replying to a friend on Instagram on after

Having considered Cavani’s version of events – submitted almost two weeks ago – football’s governing body has charged the former Paris Saint-Germain star.

Cavani must now decide whether to contest or accept the charge. He has until January 4 to respond and faces a ban of at least three matches if found guilty.

The news emerged as United prepared to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday evening, although Cavani is likely to miss the game anyway as he completes his recovery from injury.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker now has until Monday January 4 2021 to respond

The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker now has until Monday January 4 2021 to respond 

Cavani and Manchester United both issued apologies after he removed his Instagram post

Cavani and Manchester United both issued apologies after he removed his Instagram post

The FA have yet to confirm their decision to take further action against the 33-year-old but United pre-empted it with a statement issued on Thursday morning.

It read: ‘Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism and we will continue to work with the FA – along with other governing bodies and organisations, and through our own campaigns – in that regard.

‘We note the FA decision today to charge Edinson Cavani for his social media reply to a friend’s message of congratulations following the Southampton game.

‘Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologised for as soon as he was informed that it could have been misconstrued. The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.’

Cultural context will be a key factor in Cavani’s defence if he decides to contest the charge.

CAVANI AND MANCHESTER UNITED’S STATEMENTS 

Cavani:

‘The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game.

‘The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently.

‘I would like to sincerely apologise for this.’

Manchester United:

‘It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson’s message and he deleted it as soon as he was informed that it could be misconstrued.

‘Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offence caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism.’

Cultural context will be a key factor in Cavani's defence if he decides to contest the charge

Cultural context will be a key factor in Cavani’s defence if he decides to contest the charge

His international teammate Luis Suarez was banned for eight-games in 2011 for using the same word in a row with United defender Patrice Evra when he was playing for Liverpool.

However, United have maintained throughout that Cavani’s use of the word on this occasion was meant in the affectionate context it has in South America.

His friend is said to have it as a specific nickname, and Cavani’s response to the FA is understood to have highlighted the difference between that and any racist intent.

Luis Suarez was banned in 2011 for using the same word in a row with Patrice Evra

Luis Suarez was banned in 2011 for using the same word in a row with Patrice Evra

source: dailymail.co.uk