Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is facing a charge of misconduct.
This stems from an incident last month in which the 33-year-old responded to a fan’s post on Instagram.
He was congratulated after the team’s 3-2 win over Southampton.
The Uruguayan’s response was “gracias negrito”.
That translates to thank you little black one in English.
The FA is charging Cavani with a breach of their Rule E3.
They allege his post was “insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.
They say “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.”
Cavani and the team say the term has different connotations in Uruguay.
It’s a term of endearment in South America.
The club made a statement following the ruling.
“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.
“The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.”
The club says Cavani meant no harm with the post which has now been deleted.
Cavani has until Monday, January 4 to respond to the charge. (JSL)
