Edinson Cavani could be facing a three match ban following his ‘racist’ Instagram outburst following the comeback against Southampton.
A Instagram post from the Red Devils forward is expected to be looked into by the Football Association following the Uruguay international’s inspired second-half performance as United came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Southampton at St Mary’s.
Cavani shared an Instagram story from a fan, using a racially offensive term. The post has since been deleted.
Manchester United stressed that the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America, where Cavani is from.
The club said the 33-year-old had been made aware such terms are perceived very differently in the UK and he subsequently deleted the post.
The FA did not wish to comment on Sunday night, but Sky Sports News understands the governing body will launch a probe into the online post.
Facebook, the owners of Instagram, have been approached for comment.
Cavani came off the bench to score twice in United’s dramatic comeback victory against Southampton at St Mary’s. It puts Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side 8th in the Premier League table.
The Uruguay international also assisted Bruno Fernandes for their first goal in the 3-2 win which saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side seal their fourth consecutive away Premier League win.
Cavani has now scored three league goals for the club since joining as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
Presenting your #SOUMUN highlights! 🍿
*Gets popcorn ready*
*Spills it all over the sofa when Cavani bags the winner*🔴 #MUFC
🏆 #PL pic.twitter.com/rpz10v0YaY— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2020
However Cavani now faces a potential three-match ban.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl: “They played [Edinson] Cavani and he is very hard to defend against. We couldn’t keep the pressure high on them. We tried everything and made a fantastic game.
“We had some fantastic moments – the best I think we can against such sides. I am very happy about what we can play today. The second half, sure, was difficult but we must see the quality and, in the end, how difficult it is to defend against the other team. I think the game was good to watch.
“He [Cavani] made the difference in the second half. He is good in the box and we know this. We had not enough relief from playing out and keeping the ball. We did it for a very long time very good. For 2-2, that is okay for us, but then we conceded a third goal. We played as good as we can today. We put everything in that is possible against such teams, but we saw a fantastic side.”
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “After the first half, we played well again. It’s one of those that when you win, they don’t really matter. At the end I was so proud at 2-2 because we did so well. This team is getting better and better and improving which is what I want to see. We are fit.”
On De Gea’s injury: “Let’s have a little check on him (David de Gea). Hopefully he can be okay for Wednesday but I’m not sure. Dean (Henderson) played well though.
On Henderson: “He’s a keeper who has been used to being vocal. He wants to organise the team. He had a couple of tidy saves to make. He was safe with his hands.
And finally, on Cavani: “He probably wasn’t able to warm up on the pitch and then he realised he needed bigger studs. He has to be ready!
Watford striker Troy Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, gave his opinion on the matter on Monday morning.
He believes Cavani *does* deserve a three-match ban, even if there was no malice intended, and hopes the Uruguayan also receives education.
“When you write a message out, it’s considered,” Deeney said. “Nine times out of 10, you’ll proof-read it before putting it out there because you don’t want to make yourself look an idiot.
“At no point in the psychological did you go ‘that’s not right’ – that’s what worries me a little bit.
“I understand that we get three-game bans now but I just want to know whether the FA are educating players when they come to this country.
“I don’t think he’s meant it to insult anyone, but educate what’s acceptable and what isn’t.”
Deeney added: “He’s written it out, thought about it, and we’ve got people around who would go ‘I don’t think you should really do that’.
“He’s probably acted in a moment of happiness, obviously scoring, that’s why I don’t take as he’s meant offence by it. He just hasn’t understood the ramifications of his words.
“So, I do think at times three games isn’t enough. It’s got to be three games with a form of education, in my opinion, and understanding that these words hurt people and these are the effects of why it hurts people.”
Fans reacted at Cavani facing three match ban following racist Instagram outburst…
I’m hearing it’s been used in Uruguay to describe a close friend. This is way different than that evra/suerez situation
— DavidBeck7 ⚽️👹🔱 (@D_Simba94) November 29, 2020
— AB_UTD (@AB_UTD39) November 29, 2020
My wife is from South America. I have lots of friends from South America. It isn’t a racist term. It’s a term of endearment.
— ALDmufc #GlazersOut (@ALDMUFC) November 29, 2020
Negrito does not mean the N word, it’s a term used for affection, Google this.
Just because it sounds similar to a foul English word doesn’t mean it is that.
— Quarantined Gandalf🇮🇳 (@Sheboo999) November 29, 2020
Take his two goals away
— Southampton Page (@SouthamptonPage) November 29, 2020
This is it! I’m from uruguay and white as can be, but my grandparents, dad, aunts, they all call me negrita! They also call my other cousins negrito/a as well! It’s a term of endearment for us and they are reaching for something that isn’t!
— Steph G 🇺🇾 (@stephhhhh_xo) November 30, 2020
I’m a white uruguayan and my mother calls me that way too. British needs to understand that there’s a lot of differents cultures around the world
— Gianca (@Kuriboh98) November 30, 2020
You must be logged in to post a comment Login