Manchester United and Edinson Cavani have released a statement each after a social media post from the Uruguayan striker caused a degree of controversy online.
After inspiring United’s comeback 3-2 victory over Southampton with two headed goals, Cavani replied to a message on Instagram from a fan and used the Spanish term ‘negrito’.
There’s been some misunderstanding throughout the web since Cavani made the post and the striker has since removed it from his Instagram profile.
However, Cavani has issued a sincere apology, telling ManUtd.com: “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.”
In a statement, Manchester United said: “It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson’s message and he deleted it as soon as he was informed that it could be misconstrued. Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offence caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism.”
Both statements are sincere and I hope the FA can take all of this into account as part of their investigation.
Manchester United blogger, Scott Patterson, posted a valid argument on Twitter this morning. He argued that what Cavani done is not the same as when Luis Suarez used the term ‘negrito’ to offend former United left-back Patrice Evra.
We’ll see what happens in response to Cavani’s Instagram post but people comparing it with Suarez racially abusing Evra are miles off the mark 🙃
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) November 30, 2020
After a stunning match-winning performance off the bench for the Reds, Cavani has had to apologise for something that, with a few brain cells, people should be able to see what not intended in an offensive way.
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