Troy Deeney believes Edinson Cavani should be more handed more than just a three-match ban
Speaking on TalkSport (h/t The Daily Mail), Watford striker Troy Deeney believes Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani should be handed a punishment that exceeds the three-match ban.
The Uruguayan striker’s brilliant night on Sunday came to an ignominious end after his Instagram post with alleged racial connotations went viral.
“I do think at times three games isn’t enough, because it’s got to be three games with a form of education in my opinion.”
While the striker has since apologised for the post, he is now subject to an investigation by the FA. If found guilty, the 33-year-old could be handed a three-match ban.
While Cavani apologised, he also clarified that the post was meant to be a friendly greeting aimed towards a friend.
To his credit, the striker immediately deleted the message after being told of how it can be interpreted outside his culture and intended usage.
United too threw their backing behind the striker, insisting that there was no ill-meaning to the striker’s usage of the ‘word’. The club further went on to add that everyone associated with them is against racism.
Deeney does admit that Cavani may not have intended to hurt anyone and was rather just ill-informed by the change of cultures.
“I don’t think he’s meant it to insult anyone, but he needs to be educated on what is acceptable and what isn’t.”
A sticky wicket?
The FA published updated punishment guidelines ahead of the start of the new season to curb racism and discriminatory behaviour. (h/t The Daily Mail)
Any such behaviour on social media will carry a minimum three-game suspension for culprits. However, on the field action can see players banned for six to 12 games. (h/t The Daily Mail)
The incident drew parallels with the infamous Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra incident from 2011.
Cavani’s strike partner for Uruguay, Suarez was banned for eight games and fined £40,000 for using the word ‘negro’ towards ex-United defender Patrice Evra in 2011.
Ironically, the former Liverpool striker’s argument was similar to that of Cavani’s.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United deepen interest to land Ousmane Dembele next January
- Man United transfer plans at risk after scouting database hack
- Manchester United plot Old Trafford return for Jonny Evans
Cavani to his credit did not downplay the incident and accepted that he was lost in translation. Deeney’s comments about educating foreign players when they move to England does require further thought.
As a cornucopia of cultures, the Premier League and clubs will have to ensure sentiments don’t get hurt just because a player is ill-informed.