Manchester United’s veteran striker Edinson Cavani has been handed a 3 match ban for breaching FA rules following his activity on social media. He was alleged to use racist language.
On November 29, he used the word “negrito” on Instagram following his side’s 3-2 win over Southampton. Cavani scored a brace and assisted one as Manchester United came back from 2-0 down at half-time to 2-3 up in the end. Cavani apologized after that as it was just an affectionate greeting to a friend.
But FA was not happy with the statement of Cavani and finally handed a three-match suspension yesterday. The FA stated, “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 29 November 2020.”
“A comment posted on the Manchester United FC striker’s Instagram page was insulting, abusive, 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.”
Manchester United is not happy with the decision but they respected the decision. The Club statement 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.”
Edinson Cavani will miss tomorrow’s Premier League game against Aston Villa, Carabao Cup Semi-Final against Manchester City, and FA Cup tie against Watford. It can be set back for Manchester United in these vital games.
