Solskjaer: there's no 'malicious intent' from Cavani to call friend 'negrito'

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists there was no 'malicious intent' from Edinson Cavani after he sparked am FA probe by calling a friend 'negrito' on social media.

The Manchester United striker is now facing a minimum three-game ban if the FA decide to punish him, but Old Trafford boss Solskjaer was quick to back his man and insists he didn't mean any harm.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of United's game against Cavani's old club PSG in the Champions League, Solskjaer said: 'We have communicated with Edinson and he is really sorry for the mistakes he's made.

'No malicious intent at all, just an affectionate greeting to a friend.

'He's been asked by the FA to explain and we will support him. It's one of those unfortunate situations where he's just come into the country and in Uruguay it's been used in a different way.

'We support him, but we also support the FA. We want to be in the fight against discrimination. I'm sure Edinson has learned the hard way.'

Cavani was quick to issue a public apology and has since deleted the message, which sparked a racism storm in the hours after it was published, and the Uruguayan now faces an anxious wait to see if he will be in hot water with the FA.

In the post, he used the phrase 'gracias negrito' in response to a message of congratulations from a friend following his match-winning performance at Southampton.

Cavani said: 'The message I posted after the game 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 apologise for this.'

Cavani could receive a minimum three-game ban if the FA decide his message was in breach of their rules after updating their guidelines on sanctions for discriminatory behaviour ahead of this season.

But the case will not be treated like an on-field incident requiring retrospective action which can see charges fast-tracked in order for a hearing to take place before a potential offender would next play.

Instead, the initial probe will involve a longer process while the FA gather evidence before deciding whether to charge Cavani.

It may not be until midweek at the earliest before the FA are in position to determine whether Cavani may have a case to answer.