The English Football Association have charged Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani of using "insulting and improper" language on his Instagram page, a charge which could make the Uruguayan footballer face a 3-game ban if found guilty.
After scoring twice in the 3-2 win at Southampton on Nov. 29, the 33 years old Cavani reposted a message to a friend in Spanish saying: "gracias, negrito" -- a term that can be seen as racist in the United Kingdom.
The term is widely used as a phrase of endearment in South America and the Caribbean, however it is regarded in England, alongside some areas of the Afro Uruguayan community, as carrying racial implication, prompting the FA to investigate the player's post.
Under the FA regulations, if Cavani is found guilty, he could be banned for 3 games.
A statement released by the FA on Thursday said: "Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E33 in relation to a social media post on Sunday, Nov. 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 improper and/or brought the game into disrepute," the statement added.
"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,"
"The striker has until Monday, Jan. 4 2021 to provide a response to the charge." it concluded.
Instantly, Cavani deleted the post and issued an apology, and the Red Devils released a statement to defend the Uruguay international.
He insisted in his representations to the FA that the word is not used with racial implication in his home country and that his friend in question uses the same term with his own son, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, the Red club argued that the international player used these words as a term of affection and that cultural context is fundamental, but sources have told ESPN it was not taken into consideration by the FA.
A club spokesperson said: "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.
"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."
Worth mentioning is that Cavani has missed United's past two games for injury.
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