BEVERLY HILLS, December 17, (THEWILL) –Â Veteran Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association following a social media post where he used language that was deemed racially insensitive.
THEWILL reported earlier that Cavani was responding to an Instagram story from a friend after United’s 3-2 win over Southampton on November 29, in which he netted a brace and provided an assist when he made the post.
The United striker used a Spanish phrase in the post, which was later deleted after he was told of its potential to cause offence.
Based on its investigations, the FA announced on Thursday that the 33-year-old had been charged with bringing the game into “disrepute” which could lead to a ban if Cavani is found guilty.
The statement from the FA read:
“It is alleged that, contrary to FA rule E3.1, a comment posted on the Manchester United player’s Instagram page was insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.
“It is further alleged that the comment constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”
In Cavani’s defense, United reiterated their earlier stance that there was no “malicious intent” behind the striker’s deleted message.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
Cavani, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker, has helped United with three goals in 10 appearances across all competitions since he joined on a free transfer in October. He has until January 4 to respond to the charge.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
