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Rob DawsonCorrespondent
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani faces a ban after the English football association accused him of what they called “insulting and inappropriate” language on his Instagram page.
The 33-year-old reposted a message to a friend after twice scoring a 3-2 win at Southampton on Sunday 29 November in which he wrote in Spanish: “thanks, bold, “- a term that can be interpreted as racist in the UK.
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Although widely used as a term of affection in South America and the Caribbean, the word is considered to have racial connotations in England, prompting the FA to investigate Cavani’s place.
If Cavani, who has missed United’s last two games due to injury, is found guilty, he could receive a three-match ban under FA rules.
A statement issued by the FA on Thursday said: “Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for breach of the FA E33 standard in connection with a post on social media on Sunday, November 29, 2020.
“It is alleged that, contrary to FA rule E3.1, a comment posted on the Manchester United FC player’s Instagram page was insulting and / or abusive and / or inappropriate and / or discredited the game.” .
In addition, it is stated that the comment constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in rule E3.2 of the FA, as it included reference, either express or implied, to color and / or race and / or or ethnic origin.
“The striker has until Monday, January 4, 2021 to respond to the indictment.”
Cavani later deleted the post and apologized while United issued its own statement to further defend the Uruguayan international.
Sources have told ESPN that, in Cavani’s representations to the FA, he insisted that the word is not used with racial or derogatory intent in Uruguay and that the friend in question uses the term with his own son.
Meanwhile, United argued that the word was used as a term of affection and that the cultural context is key, but sources have told ESPN that the FA did not take it into account.
A club spokesman said: “Manchester United and all our players are fully committed to the fight against racism and will continue to work with the FA, along with other governing bodies and organizations, and through our own campaigns, in this sense .
“We take note today of the FA’s decision to charge Edinson Cavani for his response on social media to a friend’s congratulatory message after the Southampton game.
“Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologized as soon as he was informed that it could have been misinterpreted.
“The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.”