Edinson Cavani Faces FA Investigation Over Deleted Social Media Post

Edinson Cavani is set to face an investigation from the Football Association after the Manchester United star posted an offensive phrase in a now deleted social media post.

The 33-year-old striker was United's saviour on Sunday against Southampton. He came off the bench at half-time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side 2-0 down, and swung the game back in their favour.

Cavani set up Bruno Fernandes' goal, to get the visitors back in the game, before scoring twice, including the injury time winner.

However within hours of the game the Uruguayan had landed himself in the middle of a controversy of his own making.

Replying to a friend on social media, via his Instagram story, Cavani said 'Gracias n*grito.'

Cavani's now deleted post. Image: Instagram

Directly translated the phrase means 'thank you black' but there is no real equivalent in English and it is a similar situation Luis Suarez found himself in, back in 2011.

Then the Liverpool forward called United defender Patrice Evra 'n*gro' during a game between the two sides and was banned for racially abusing the Frenchman.

Suarez claimed that he didn't know the word was offensive in English and n*grito can be used as a term of affection in Uruguay, in the right context.

Suarez was handed an eight match ban for his incident with Evra. Image: PA Images

In his book, Suarez tried to argue his use of n*gro, writing, "N*gro can refer to anyone with dark hair as well as dark skin and I've been used to the word being used in Spanish in this way all my life.

"My wife sometimes calls me 'n*gro' or (the diminutive version) 'n*grito.' My grandmother used to call my grandfather 'n*grito' and she would occasionally call me that too."

Whilst Cavani, who deleted his Instagram post a few hours later, was could easily argue he was using the phrase in an affectionate manner, an argument Suarez was less likely to be able to use, he could still be in trouble.

In September last year Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva posted a 'jokey' tweet comparing teammate Benjamin Mendy to a dark skinned advertising mascot.

Though the full back said he wasn't offended by the incident, Silva was banned for one game and given a £50,000 fine.

Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Southampton, Premier League, Edinson Cavani

Ryan Sidle

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