Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct in relation to a social media post.
The 33-year-old Uruguay international posted a message on Instagram on November 29 which contained the word ‘negrito’.
Cavani deleted the post and promptly issued an apology, and it was obvious that there was nothing malicious behind it, but on Thursday the FA announced he had been charged.
The FA stated: “Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3, in relation to a social media post on Thursday 29 November 2020.
“It is alleged that, contrary to FA Rule E3.1, a comment posted on the Manchester United FC player’s Instagram page is 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 a reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.
“The striker has until Monday 4 January 2021 to provide a response to the charge.”
In regards to FA Rule E3.1, I really don’t think feel Cavani’s post was insulting, abusive or brought the game into disrepute. And, as for improper, they could argue that whilst clutching at straws.
Manchester United have issued the following statement in response: “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 organisations, and through our own campaigns – in that regard.
“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.”
Cavani is a doubt for United’s trip to Sheffield United after returning to training, so we are likely to see Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial start against the Blades. There could be a place for Mason Greenwood too, who I believe is by far our best finisher right now.
The FA are coming down hard on Cavani for a mistake he apologised for, and there was no bad taste in what he wrote on Instagram. They’ve failed to take that into account but hopefully they see the light after the striker responds to his charge.
He doesn’t deserve to miss more football matches.
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