FA charges Cavani with misconduct over social media post
STRIKER COULD FACE THREE-GAME BAN IF HE’S FOUND GUILTY
THE Football Association have confirmed Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct in relation to a social media post following the win against Southampton last month.
Cavani sent a message to one of his followers after netting a brace against the Saints which prompted the FA to investigate the Spanish term used that could be deemed as discriminatory or racist language.
The forward deleted the post and apologised for any offence caused.
It is understood Cavani used the phrase in an affectionate manner as it is often used in his native Uruguay.
On Thursday, the FA confirmed Cavani has been charged for misconduct in a breach of FA Rule E3.
FA Rule E3 dictates that if any social media message includes a reference to a person’s ethnic origin, colour, race or nationality, then that will be regarded as a potential aggravating factor in any punishment. The owners of social media accounts are responsible for anything posted from that account, whether by themselves or by a third party.
Cavani has until Monday 4 January 2021 to respond to the charge. He could face a minimum three game ban if found guilty.
United responded to the charge stressing that Cavani’s message was posted with no malicious intent and was swiftly deleted once he was made aware it could have been misconstrued.
Their statement read: “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.
“Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologised for, as soon as he was informed that it could have been misconstrued.
“The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.”