Andre Onana has defended Manchester United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho after the forward used gorilla emojis in a social media about the goalkeeper.
The 19-year-old Argentina international congratulated Onana after the Cameroon goalkeeper stopped a stoppage-time penalty in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Danish champions FC Copenhagen.
Garnacho took to X, formerly known as Twitter, with a picture of Onana celebrating his penalty save. The Argentine forward used two gorilla emojis but the post was quickly deleted.
People on social media were quick to decide whether Onana should be offended by the post. However, the Cameroonian took to X and made it very clear that no offence was meant or caused by Garnacho’s post.
“People cannot choose what I should be offended by,” Onana wrote. “I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power & strength. This matter should go no future.”
People cannot choose what I should be offended by.
I know exactly what @agarnacho7 meant: power & strength.
This matter should go no further.
AO24 pic.twitter.com/RDzhwLI3BX
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) October 26, 2023
Garnacho could face FA sanction
The Football Association are considering whether to punish Garnacho for his social media post and it is understood that they’ve also contacted the 19-year-old for his observations on the matter.
This means Garnacho could be charged by the FA for breaching its social media guidelines if it finds the post to be racially sensitive.
Former United striker Edinson Cavani was banned for three matches and fined £100,000 in 2020 after posting a comment deemed racially sensitive (although when you check for context on the situation, Cavani was thanking a fan).
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We know where this is going: FA Sanction.
FA suit: Ah, a chance to get at United.
Voice of reason: They’re team mates, ffs.
FA suit: Ah, a chance to get at United.
VOR: He was congratulating his TEAM MATE. FFS
Suit: Ah, a chance to get at United.
VOR: The tweet was deleted when it was pointed out someone would take offence on behalf of Onana.
And ONANA HAS SAID HE UNDERSTOOD AND.IS.NOT.OFFENDED.
Suit: Ah, a chance to get at United.
Just like the Cavani incident. They don’t want to listen to reasons, they don’t want to know no offence intended AND NONE TAKEN.
Nope: It’s a chance to get at United.