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Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been banned for three games for racism after writing “Thank you black guy” on Instagram.
In addition, the Uruguayan must pay a fine of just over a million crowns and participate in a course sponsored by the English Football Association (FA).
Manchester United will face Aston Villa, Manchester City (League Cup) and Watford (FA Cup) in the next three games. The Uruguayan can play again for United against Burnley on 12 January at the earliest.
Cavani’s message was shared after two goals in the restructuring operation against Southampton in November.
– The message was intended to be a warm greeting to a friend, and I thanked him for the congratulations after the game. The last thing he wanted was to offend someone. I am completely against racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted in another way. I want to apologize, Cavani wrote in a press release after the game.
Cavani, who came to Manchester United for free after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired this summer, has four goals and two assists in 14 games so far this season.
United’s response
Manchester United have issued the following press release following confirmation of the suspension:
– As you said, Edinson Cavani was not aware that his words could have been misunderstood, and he has apologized for the publication and for all those who took it seriously.
– Although he honestly wanted to show his appreciation for a congratulatory message from a close friend, he will not oppose the verdict, out of respect and solidarity with the FA and the fight against racism in football.
– While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we see that the independent regulatory committee deemed it necessary to distribute a three-game suspension. The club is confident that the independent regulatory committee will say in its written explanation that Edinson Cavani is not a racist or that there were racist intentions behind his position.