Edinson Cavani Indicted By FA Over Racial Comments

Edinson Cavani (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged with grave breaches of British Football Association (FA) rules for using the racial term "negrito" in an Instagram post last month.

The 33-year-old Uruguay passport player has apologized for the post he uploaded after United beat Southampton 3-2 on November 29. He said that the term is a greeting to a friend.

"Edinson Cavani has been charged with an offense ... in connection with a social media post on Thursday, November 29, 2020," the FA said in a statement quoted by Reuters on Thursday.

"It is alleged that ... comments posted on the Manchester United FC player's Instagram page are insulting and / or rude and / or inappropriate and / or make football worse."

"It is further alleged that the comment constitutes a 'Aggravated Offense' ... because it includes references, either express or implied, to color and / or race and / or ethnic origin."

United issued a statement defending their players, saying Cavani had no bad intentions in the post.

"Manchester United and all our players are fully committed to fighting racism and we will continue to work with the FA ... in that regard," United said on their official website.

"Edinson and the club made it clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologized to, as soon as he was told it could have been misinterpreted."

"Players and clubs will now consider and decide the appropriate steps regarding the FA decision."

Cavani has returned to training after a muscle injury but is still a doubt for United's away match against Sheffield United on Friday. He has until January 4 to respond to the charges.