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Edinson Cavani apologized for any unintentional offense caused by a social media post following Manchester United’s win over Southampton on Sunday.
The Uruguayan international shared a fan’s Instagram story, using a racially offensive term and, although the post has since been removed, the Football Association (FA) is expected to investigate the post online.
Since then, both the player and Manchester United have issued statements, noting that the word was used in an affectionate way and has different connotations in South America.
A statement from Cavani said: “The message I posted after Sunday’s game was intended to be a warm greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game.
“The last thing I wanted to do was offend anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted otherwise. I would like to sincerely apologize for this.”
Manchester United added: “It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson’s message and he removed it as soon as he was informed that it could be misinterpreted.”
“Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offense caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to fighting racism.”
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FREE TO SEE: Highlights from Manchester United’s victory over Southampton in the Premier League.
The FA issued guidelines earlier this season to crack down on racist and discriminatory language and behavior, and crimes on social media carry a minimum three-game ban.
The anti-discrimination group Kick It Out issued a statement on Cavani’s post and again called for foreign players to be educated in language that can cause offense in the UK.
“We are aware of a comment made last night on social networks by Edinson Cavani that, in his mother tongue, may be offensive in some contexts,” it reads.
“We understand that the FA is investigating and the club and the player are cooperating with that investigation. We await the outcome of that investigation.
“As we have said before, we think it would be helpful for foreign players coming to England to have a routine education on a language that may be unacceptable in this country.”
Facebook, the owners of Instagram, were contacted for comment.
Cavani came off the bench to score twice in United’s spectacular comeback against Southampton at St Mary’s.
The Uruguayan international also assisted Bruno Fernandes for his first goal in the 3-2 win that saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side seal their fourth consecutive away victory in the Premier League.
Cavani has scored three league goals for the club since joining as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
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