Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani charged by FA

Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over the use of a racially insulting term in a social media post.

Cavani posted a message on Instagram on November 29 which contained the word ‘negrito.’ He deleted the post and issued an apology, but today the FA announced he had been charged.

The official FA statement reads: ‘Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on November 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.

‘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.’

United released a statement on their website, in which they noted that Cavani had no malicious intent while sharing the post and had immediately deleted and apologized after it was pointed out to him that it could be misconstrued.

“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.

“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 organizations, and through our own campaigns – in that regard.

“Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologized 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.”

The FA said Cavani had until Monday, January 4, to respond to the charge. If found guilty, the striker could face a three-match ban.