Manchester United fans have reacted angrily to the news that Edinson Cavani has been banned for three games by the FA for using a racially-sensitive term on Twitter.
The Uruguayan thanked a friend on social media using an expression that is meant affectionately in his country but which contains a word that could be considered racially sensitive in others.
Many fans have accused the FA of inconsistency and a lack of understanding of cultural norms of expression.
Comments on Twitter included:
‘Bernardo Silva: Actual racism, one game ban; Dele Alli: Actual racism, one game ban; Wayne Hennessy: Nazi salute, no punishment; Edinson Cavani: Uses a term that’s considered friendly in his language to refer to his friend, 3 match ban + 100k fine. The FA is a disgrace.’
Bernardo Silva: Actual racism, one game ban
Dele Alli: Actual racism, one game ban
Wayne Hennessy: Nazi salute, no punishment
Edinson Cavani: Uses a term that’s considered friendly in his language to refer to his friend, 3 match ban plus 100k fine
The FA is a disgrace. pic.twitter.com/vhUvd1FurU
— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) December 31, 2020
‘The fact that Edinson Cavani has been given a 3 match ban and a £100k fine for an innocent mistake is a disgrace. Luckily he’ll only miss one Premier League game.’
The fact that Edinson Cavani has been given a 3 match ban + a £100k fine for a innocent mistake is a disgrace. Luckily he’ll only miss one Premier League game.
— Therese ???????? (@ThereseUTD) December 31, 2020
‘The Cavani ban and fine is madness. Do they even look at the precedents they’ve set? Bigger fine than Suarez over the Evra incident and a three times longer ban and bigger fine than Bernardo Silva. Shambolic and should be appealed by the club.’
The Cavani ban and fine is madness. Do they even look at the precedents they've set? Bigger fine than Suarez over the Evra incident and a 3 x longer ban and bigger fine than Bernardo Silva. Shambolic and should be appealed by the club.
— Michael Harris (@MichaelHarris10) December 31, 2020
‘This could easily be solved: Cavani deleted and apologised for the post, recognises that – in a different culture – his words can be (mis)construed as insensitive. The FA can help promote cultural understanding and tolerance. Charging Cavani is absurd and counter-productive.
This could easily be solved: Cavani deleted and apologised for the post, recognises that – in a different culture – his words can be (mis)construed as insensitive. The FA can help promote cultural understanding and tolerance. Charging Cavani is absurd and counter-productive.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) December 17, 2020
‘Clever of United to accept the three match ban while forcing the FA to admit that his tweet was in no way intended as a racial slur. Hats off to Cavani for seeing the bigger picture. Proves who are the racists in this case. Embarrassing for the FA.’
Clever of united to accept the 3 match ban while forcing the FA to admit that his tweet was in no way intended as a racial slur. Hats off to Cavani for seeing the bigger picture. Proves who is the racists in this case. Embarrassing for the FA
— Treblerebel (@walkespg) December 31, 2020
Cavani will not appeal the charge and issued a statement saying ‘I accept the disciplinary sanction knowing that I am foreign to English language customs, but I do not share the point of view.
‘I apologize if I offended someone with an expression of affection toward a friend.’
The 33-year-old will miss today’s game against Aston Villa, the Carabao Cup semi-final against Man City and next Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Watford.
Edinson Cavani has made quite an impact since his deadline day arrival at Old Trafford, but how much do you know about our other South American players, past and present? Take our quiz below to find out!