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‘Cavani deserves more than a three-game ban’

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Edinson Cavani should be getting more than a three-game ban for using ‘offensive’ words’ on social media, claims Troy Deeney.

Troy Deeney believes Cavani should be given proper punishment after he apparently used an ‘offensive’ word on social media.

The Uruguayan forward was in a joyous mood after inspiring a comeback win for the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon.

Perhaps Cavani was a little over-excited when replying to a congratulatory message on Instagram with the phrase “Gracias negrito”.

In English, ‘Negrito’ translates directly as ‘black’ although there is dispute on what it exactly means given the context. In Uruguay, many claim that word is only affectionate slang and not in any way racist or offensive.

Luis Suarez received an eight-game ban when he hurled racist words at Patrice Evra back in 2011. Bernardo Silva also got a one-match ban last term for an ‘offensive’ word on social media even though there was no intent of abuse in any way.

Some have called for Cavani to be punished and one person who strongly shares that view is Watford captain Troy Deeney.

“It’s never right, no matter which way you look at it,” the Watford captain Deeney said on TalkSport about the United forward.

“I just think when you write a message out, it’s considered, nine times out of 10, that you’ll proofread it before putting it out there because you don’t want to make yourself look an idiot.”

“But at no point did he think ‘that’s not right’ – that’s what worried me a little bit. I understand we get three-game bans now, but I just want to know whether the FA is educating players when they come to this country. I don’t think he’s meant it to insult anyone, but he needs to be educated on what is acceptable and what isn’t.”

Asked if a three-match ban is enough for Cavani, Deeney said: “No, I don’t think it is. It’s a considered post. He’s written it out, thought about it, and he’s got people around him who would say, ‘I don’t think you should really do that”.

“He’s probably acted in a moment of happiness, obviously after scoring, that’s why I don’t take it as he meant offence by it, he just hasn’t understood the ramifications of his words.”

“I do think at times three games isn’t enough, because it’s got to be three games with a form of education in my opinion. There needs to be an understanding that these words hurt people and the reasons why they hurt people.”

It remains to be seen if the FA will look into Cavani’s latest action but he could be in danger of a punishment if found guilty in any way.

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