Manchester United and Cavani have issued a joint statement following the controversy that has surrounded the forward’s post on social media.
Edinson Cavani and Manchester United have both issued statements regarding a social media post made by the striker on Sunday afternoon. The post in question has become the subject of an FA investigation.
The veteran forward inspired United’s comeback 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday with two goals after coming off the bench.
Replying to a message of congratulations on Instagram, Cavani used the Spanish term ‘negrito’, which translates as ‘black’. We explained these details in an earlier post where Troy Deeney has even called for the United man to get banned for a run of games after his actions.
However, United have stressed that the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different meanings in South America where the 33-year-old is from.
On Monday afternoon, Cavani released a statement via the club’s website which read: “The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game.”
“The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologize for this.”
United added on behalf of Cavani: “It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson’s message and he deleted it as soon as he was informed that it could be misconstrued.”
“Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offence caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism.”
It is probably clear at this stage that Cavani meant no harm with his comments and it would come off as ‘harsh’ if he gets subsequent punishment from the FA.
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