Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been banned for three games and fined £100,000 after he was find guilty of misconduct after he posted a racist Instagram post in November.
Cavani must complete also face-to-face education after admitting a charge for a breach of FA Rule E3. He will miss United’s games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford.
Edinson Cavani made post featuring a racially offensive term after Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Southampton on November 29; Striker will miss games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford; United stess there was no ‘racist intent’ in the post
The 33-year-old quickly deleted the post and apologised for his actions, saying: “The message I posted after the game on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game.
“The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologise for this.”
The striker made the decision not to challenge the charge and will consequently miss United’s upcoming games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford. He has also been fined £100,000.
A statement from Manchester United on the ruling read: “As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended.
“Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, The FA and the fight against racism in football.
“While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent Regulatory Commission was required to impose a minimum three game suspension. The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post.”
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