Edinson Cavani could face a three-match suspension as the FA looks into the Instagram story

A report by The Guardian states that Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani could face a three-match ban if the FA concludes that the Uruguayan used racist or discriminatory terminology in an Instagram story shared on his account on Sunday.

The new signing from Paris Saint-Germain scored a late second-half brace to complete Manchester United’s comeback from 2-0 down to win the game 3-2 at St. Mary’s.

After the win, Edinson Cavani shared an Instagram story where the words “gracias ne*rito” were used to thank a follower congratulating him on his brace against the Saints. The FA have confirmed that they are investigating the social media post which has since been deleted. (h/t The Guardian)

The Premier League issued an updated set of rules regarding racist language and actions on social media, with offences carrying a minimum three-game suspension.

The regulations are covered in FA Rule E3, and also mention that the owners of the social media account are responsible for anything posted on it, whether it is by them or a third-party. (h/t The Guardian)

Deleting the post will also not get Cavani off the hook as retrospective action can be taken, as it was with Bernardo Silva last season when he was imposed with a one-match ban for comparing teammate Benjamin Mendy to a cartoon on a brand of Spanish chocolate.

If the FA decide to take any action, they will contact Cavani in the next few days and ask for his observations regarding the incident. Any punishment or charge should be brought to the striker latest by next Monday.

Manchester United stressed the term was used in an affectionate manner by Cavani and has a different meaning in South America. They also emphasised that the striker has been informed that the term is perceived differently in the United Kingdom, and he subsequently deleted the Instagram story.