Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has accepted the three-game ban handed to him by the Football Association for using a racial term and said that while he did not agree with the governing body's assessment of his comment, his heart was at peace.
The 33-year-old Uruguayan used the word 'negrito' in an Instagram post after the club's victory over Southampton on November 29, before taking it down and apologising. He said it was intended as an expression of affection to a friend.
But the FA on Thursday said the comment was 'improper and brought the game into disrepute', fined Cavani £100,000 and ordered him to complete 'face-to-face education' as part of his punishment.
United said Cavani chose not to contest the charge out of respect for the FA and the 'fight against racism in football', with the Uruguayan posting an apology on social media late on Thursday.
'I do not want to extend much in this uncomfortable moment,' Cavani wrote on Instagram. 'I want to share with you that I accept the disciplinary sanction knowing that I am foreign to English language customs, but I do not share the point of view.
'I apologise if I offended someone with an expression of affection towards a friend, nothing further in my intention. Those who know me know that my effort always seeks the simplest joy and friendship!
'I appreciate the countless expressions of support and affection. My heart is at peace because I know that I always expressed myself with affection according to my culture and way of life. I send you a sincere hug.'
Cavani will miss United's league game against Aston Villa later on Friday, the League Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the FA Cup match against Watford as a result of the suspension.
yayuyuyai
392
He did nothing wrong.
PluTø
388
FA don’t address other serious racism acts but they going full on killer mode on cavanni Not fair!
Ryank15
355
FA should be aware that racism exists in people's hearts than what we see, Many people are racists in their actions than post of social medias, for eg footballers after playing careers blacks do not get same opportunities than their white mates. For CAVANI it was joke between between friends nothing else.
United Kingdom5061663
302
I don’t believe racism is a bad or good thing! I don’t even believe people are the racist type that the media makes them out to be ! If someone for example steels a let’s say bike from a black neighborhood and somehow he happens to be white ! The people will obviously say some white boy took it ! Is that racism for God sake ?? If you say a black boy took it , it’s racism , why ? God made white people ,black people , Asians and Chinese ... If you say a boy stole it , the police WILL ask you for description ... you then have to say SOMETHING you can’t just say it was A HUMAN !! All this is a stupid media madness !! Happy new year Humans !!
EmperorTinTin
220
Happy new year to those who love Manchester United❤️