Manchester United Striker Edinson Cavani has been fined a hundred thousand pounds and three match ban for an Instagram post which was said to be racial.
An FA statement said: “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 colour 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.”
Edinson Cavani posted on Instagram which he later deleted after a 3-2 comeback win against Southampton where he assisted Bruno Fernandes and also scored two goals to give the Reds a massive three point, but he further stated it was an affectional greeting and not a racial one.
Manchester United have responded in a statement to the ban of their striker.
Manchester United also issued the following statement:
“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.
“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.”
