Edinson Cavani has said his “heart is at peace” because there was no racist intent behind his use of the word “negrito” in a social media post that landed him a three-game ban and £100,000 fine from the Football Association.
The Manchester United striker, who must also complete a two-hour face-to-face online education course, said he accepted the sanction but did not share the FA’s assessment of his message. The Uruguayan had pleaded guilty to a charge of using insulting and/or improper words. According to United he decided not to contest the case “out of respect for the FA and the fight against racism in football”.
The 33-year-old had sent the Instagram message to a friend after coming off the bench and scoring twice in a 3-2 victory at Southampton in late November and will miss three games at Old Trafford. After sitting out Friday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, Cavani will also miss Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City and Watford’s visit for next Saturday’s FA Cup tie.
“I do not want to extend much in this uncomfortable moment,” Cavani wrote on Instagram. “I want to share with you that I accept the disciplinary sanction knowing that I am foreign to English language customs, but I do not share the point of view.
“I apologise if I offended someone with an expression of affection towards a friend, nothing further in my intention. Those who know me know that my effort always seeks the simplest joy and friendship!
“I appreciate the countless expressions of support and affection. My heart is at peace because I know that I always expressed myself with affection according to my culture and way of life. I send you a sincere hug.”
In November Cavani swiftly issued an apology for his use of his phrase “Gracias negrito” – Spanish for “thanks little black person” – and said he deleted it as soon as he became aware it could be interpreted differently.
There is a degree of sympathy for him in certain quarters, given the context of a personal post between friends and it being understood that negrito is a nickname of Cavani’s correspondent, but the FA’s punishment sends a powerful message. The governing body has made it clear there are no excuses for being unaware of language deemed unacceptable in wider society.
Significantly the FA, which will publish the written reasons behind Cavani’s sanction in the new year, said the post constituted an “aggravated breach” of its rules because it included “reference, whether express or implied to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin”.
United hope the FA will invest Cavani’s fine in an anti-racism initiative and responded by saying: “Despite his honest belief 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. 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.”