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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Back Gary Neville's Calls For Diversity Training After Edinson Cavani Post

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Back Gary Neville's Calls For Diversity Training After Edinson Cavani Post

The Manchester United striker had to delete his social media post on Sunday over suggestions of racism.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Gary Neville's calls for diversity training for foreign players arriving in England, after Edinson Cavani had to delete a social media post on Sunday.

Cavani was a literal game changer when he came on at half-time, or 22 seconds after to the annoyance of Roy Keane, as he scored twice and set up another goal in Manchester United's 3-2 win over Southampton.

Following the game though Cavani was at the eye of a social media storm when he thanked a friend on Instagram story by saying 'Gracias N*grito.'

The FA are set to investigate the incident and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed their inquiry into the deleted post. The United boss also backed his player saying he had 'no malicious intent' and echoed former teammate Neville in calling for diversity training for players arriving in England.

Speaking about the incident on Monday, Neville said, "We're here again aren't we. We had an incident a few years ago at Liverpool when a similar word was used, with Luis Suarez.

"Still, football is incapable of putting a curriculum in place for its players, its fans, that is compulsory. Why is Edinson Cavani not subjected to diversity training, education, the minute he comes in to this country? Not to remind him of his duties but to educate him.

"If we're truly going to root out discrimination in this country, it has to become part of the curriculum at school, it has to become part of the curriculum in sport, every employer in the country has to enter into a diversity training inclusion programme and implement it."

Cavani scores the winner against Southampton, top, before running off to celebrate his winner. Image: PA Images
Cavani scores the winner against Southampton, top, before running off to celebrate his winner. Image: PA Images

Speaking about Cavani being able to play despite the scrutiny of the investigation, the United boss said, "He [Cavani] has learned a lesson. It might affect him, but he will have to put that to one side when the game is on. The best players can put those things aside."

The 33-year-old has scored three goals for the Premier League side so far but is yet to start a Premier League game since joining the club in January.

On the former PSG player's performances the boss added, "We know he's [Cavani] got talent and I could have spoken about his predatory instincts as a striker but what I noticed what his ability to be a team player, which we've already seen here with his work rate.

"His running stats show him top of the Premier League, which at 33 tells you everything."

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PA

Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Southampton, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Gary Neville, Edinson Cavani