Edinson Cavani charged by the FA over Instagram post

Cavani has until January 4 to respond to the charge

The Football Association have charged Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani for an Instagram post containing a Spanish phrase regarded as offensive in some contexts. The Uruguayan made the post shortly after scoring twice in United's 3-2 win at Southampton at the end of November. Having been made aware that the phrase used was deemed offensive, he subsequently deleted the post and issued an apology. Should the FA find Cavani guilty, the 33-year-old could face a three-game suspension. 'Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on 29 November 2020,' the FA said in a statement. 'It is alleged that, contrary to FA Rule E3.1, a comment posted on the Manchester United FC player’s Instagram page was insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute. 'It is further alleged that the comment constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.' Cavani has until January 4 to reply to the charge and a statement issued by United indicates they will consider how to respond.

'Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism and we will continue to work with the FA - along with other governing bodies and organisations, and through our own campaigns - in that regard,' United stressed.

'We note the FA decision today to charge Edinson Cavani for his social media reply to a friend's message of congratulations following the Southampton game.

'Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologised for as soon as he was informed that it could have been misconstrued.

'The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.'