After knowing about the FA’s three-match ban and fine, Manchester United reacted to Edinson Cavani’s punishment through a public statement.
One would think that Edinson Cavani’s punishment from the FA would anger Manchester United but their reaction will surprise a lot of people. While the Red Devils’ supporters are outraged by the measures taken by the FA, the club decided to remain neutral about the issue. In fact, they pretty much seem like they are siding with the FA alongside Cavani. With the fight against racism taking the center stage throughout 2020, Manchester United’s position was pretty clear after this decision from the FA.
They won’t make an appeal and they will accept the punishment because they understand the context of the situation. Cavani himself already apologized and stated he never intended to come across as a racist, which he is not. The striker revealed he will accept the punishment and move forward against racism. But people in South America aren’t happy about this decision at all because they don’t think Cavani did anything wrong.
Manchester United and Cavani’s response.
The Red Devils issued the following statement on their website: “Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been fined and suspended for three matches by the Football Association. The Uruguay international will miss the upcoming matches, all at Old Trafford, against Aston Villa (Premier League), Manchester City (Carabao Cup semi-final), and Watford (Emirates FA Cup third round). As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologized for the post and to anyone who was offended.
“Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank-you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge, out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football. While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent Regulatory Commission was required to impose a minimum three-game suspension. The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post.”