Edinson Cavani facing FA probe and potential ban after he's accused of using 'racist' term on social media

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Manchester United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - November 29, 2020 Manchester United's Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring their second goal. [Reuters, Mike Hewitt]

Edinson Cavani is facing an FA investigation and potential ban after being accused of using a racist term on social media.

The Football Association confirmed to Mirror Sport they are aware of the post, are looking into it and will now ask Cavani to explain the remark made on Instagram.

Cavani, 33, wrote “Gracias n******” in an exchange with a fan after scoring twice - including a dramatic late winner - in Manchester United’s last gasp victory at Southampton.

The FA have a strict code on racism and under the latest guidelines, Cavani could get a three-game ban.

It is understood that Cavani believed he was using the term in a friendly way, it is a common phrase in South American and has been told now of the different interpretation in England.

He has since deleted the post.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Manchester United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - November 29, 2020 Manchester United's Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring their second goal. [Reuters, Mike Hewitt]

But Luis Suarez used a similar term in the infamous bust-up with Patrice Evra which led to the former Liverpool striker getting an eight-game ban.

Manchester United have yet to comment but Mirror Sport have contacted the club.

There have been a string of recent cases that would suggest that Cavani will get punished.

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva got a one-match ban for posting - and quickly deleting - a picture of a character used in a chocolate brand.

Dele Alli also got a one-game ban for a so-called joke on social media about coronavirus.

Cavani’s post has caused a backlash on social media.