Pranav Nair
Manchester United keen to ensure Edinson Cavani escapes suspension
According to The Athletic, Manchester United are keen to ensure Edinson Cavani escapes a three-match ban for his ill-advised Instagram post after the win over Southampton.
The striker shared an Instagram story where the words “gracias ne*rito” were used to thank a friend congratulating him on his brace against the Saints.
The FA has confirmed that they are investigating the social media post which has since been deleted. (h/t The Guardian)
Deleting the post is not likely to do Cavani any favours as retrospective action can still be taken, as it was with Bernardo Silva last season. (h/t The Guardian)
According to the report, United will provide ‘cultural context’ in an effort to save the Uruguayan star from being suspended.
This includes written evidence that this was a specific nickname for the friend in question. It also goes on to add that the term has been used by Cavani and his circle of friends.
The word is reportedly used affectionately in South America with no intention of malice. Both United and Cavani accept the word has different connotations in the UK and will accept the FA punishment. (h/t The Daily Mail)
The FA have yet to decide whether to charge Cavani with discriminatory or racist language. He could potentially be hit with a ban of three games minimum.
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The incident drew parallels with the infamous Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra spat 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.
It is a curious twist of fate that we find ourselves at the other end of the spectrum this time around.
