Edinson Cavani charged with misconduct by FA

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]

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged with an aggravated breach of the Football Association’s (FA) rules for using the word “negrito” in an Instagram post last month.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan had apologised for the post, which he sent after Manchester United beat Southampton 3-2 on November 29, saying it was an affectionate greeting to a friend.

“Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct... in relation to a social media post on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2020,” the FA said.

“It is alleged that... a comment posted on the United FC player’s Instagram page was insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

“It is further alleged that the comment constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’... as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”

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 with Victor Lindelof. [REUTERS/Mike Hewitt]