Manchester United’s striker Edinson Cavani may likely face a three-game ban from the English FA following alleged use of racist or discriminatory language on social media by the Uruguayan forward
The FA is currently investigating the Uruguayan‘s Instagram post, which he sent after Sunday’s comeback win over Southampton.
Uruguay international Cavani used the phrase “gracias negr!to” to thank a follower who praised his two-goal haul. The 33-year-old later deleted the comment but could still face action.
Indeed, the FA will not automatically waive their investigation despite Cavani removing his post.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva received a one-match ban, despite later deleting a post which compared teammate Benjamin Mendy to the cartoon figure from a Spanish chocolate brand.
The FA’s investigation will relate to Rule E3, which covers postings about a person’s ethnic origin, colour, race or nationality.
If the body deems any social media activity to relate to such a matter, that will count as an aggravating factor in investigation.
The rules also makes clear that owners of social media accounts are solely responsible for any and all content posted. This includes posts by themselves or a third party.
The word Cavani used was the same one his Uruguay teammate Luis Suarez used against Patrice Evra back in 2011. The then-Liverpool striker claimed the word was used in a friendly manner, not racially.
However, the FA threw away his claims and banned Suarez for eight matches.
The ban that Cavani could face comes after the FA changed its stance on racist language and behaviour on social media. Offenders now face a minimum three-match absence.
Should the FA pursue the case, it will ask Cavani for his written observations. What’s more, if the striker is found Cavani, the FA must impose a charge by next Monday at the latest.
