The English FA has handed a three-match ban to Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani for an Instagram post to a friend which was deemed racist.
Cavani received a message from a former teammate after scoring twice in a 3-2 win over Southampton in November, to which the former PSG player used the word “negrito” and thanked him.
READ ALSO: Manchester United Responds to Edinson Cavani FA Charge
Despite being a term of affection in such a context in Latin America, the FA deemed it a sanctionable offence and, as well as a three game ban, fined him 100,000 pounds.
“As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended,” Manchester United responded to the charge.
“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.”