Manchester United have this afternoon provided their full backing to Edinson Cavani, after news of the veteran striker’s FA suspension was confirmed.
Reds star punished
Cavani, 33, caught the headlines late in November, on the back his side’s meeting with Southampton.
A thrilling affair at St. Mary’s eventually saw Cavani prove central in a 2nd-half United comeback, with the Uruguayan having emerged from the bench to bag a brace.
The hours that followed the clash, however, did not see Cavani’s goalscoring exploits take centre stage in the media.
Instead, the chatter surrounded a social media post on the part of the former PSG standout, in which Cavani was accused of using a term deemed as racist in many parts of the world.
The Red Devils star quickly deleted the post, before releasing a statement, assuring that no offence was intended on his part:
‘The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game. The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone.’
‘I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologise for this.’
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 30: Edinson Cavani of Uruguay celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Uruguay and Portugal at Fisht Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The FA, however, based on the current rules and regulations in place surrounding such matters, were nevertheless forced into action, and subsequently slapped Cavani with a 3-match ban.
The experienced attacker, in turn, was given until January 4th to respond to the charge.
As confirmed on Thursday afternoon, though, Cavani has since opted to admit to the offence, with his ban, as a result, set to stand:
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 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 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. Full statement: https://t.co/6H9ncJgz2u. pic.twitter.com/Ij7HF3CwH6
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) December 31, 2020
‘Respect for the fight against racism’
Manchester United, in turn, have since released a statement of their own, in response to their summer addition’s suspension being made official.
The Red Devils have again reiterated that Cavani meant no offence with his post-Southampton Instagram activity, whilst also providing an insight into the Uruguayan’s decision not to contest his charge:
“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.
Cavani is set to sit out United’s upcoming meetings with all of Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford.
A club statement in response to @ECavaniOfficial‘s three-match ban.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2020
