LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Edinson Cavani of Manchester United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on December 5, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Edison Cavani, Manchester United striker, has been charged by the English Football Association for misconduct stemming from the perceived use of offensive language.
The football governing body announced the charge in a statement on Thursday, citing the use of a Spanish phrase that is offensive in some context.
In November, the 33-year-old had shared a post on Instagram wherein he used the word “n**rito”. This was after United’s win at Southampton where he scored twice, including a last-minute winner.
The experienced Uruguayan striker, however, swiftly deleted the post and apologised.
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But in the statement, the football body said the striker breached “E3.1 and E3.2 of the FA rule,” parts of which accused him of “aggravated breach”.
“Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on Thursday 29 November 2020,” it read.
“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 improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.
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“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.”
Cavani, who joined United on transfer deadline day in the summer, has until January 4, 2021 to respond to the charge.
The former PSG and Napoli striker could receive a three-match ban for the offence if found guilty.
Reacting to the development, Cavani’s club wrote: “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.
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“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.”
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