Edinson Cavani who was given a 3 match ban plus a financial penalty was among hot controversy as there were allegations of racism against him due to an Instagram story that he had posted after the team’s 3-2 victory over Southampton. He replied to a message from Pablo Fernandes which said, “Gracias Negrito”.
Many people supported the player stating that there was no malice or ill will towards any person of a particular race but the FA took a stringent stand on the matter.
As reported by ESPN, a 3-man regulatory commission was instilled to investigate this matter further and they concluded that Cavani was in no way trying to be offensive or discriminatory to anyone. Their findings were, “no intent on the part of the player to be discriminatory or offensive in any way.”
The commission constituted of Gareth Farrelly (Former premier league player), Marvin Robinson (former Oxford United striker), and Richard Smith QC.
Professor David Wood who is an expert in Latin American studies stated that while the term may seem racist there could also be people who were familiar with the South American culture who could have understood it in the context of being a friend rather than insult.
Manchester United, Edinson Cavani, and even the Uruguayan Football association were seeking the reversal of this decision yet there wasn’t any reprieve. Even though the commission found him not guilty they concluded that the FA was right in its conduct of the matter.
Edinson Cavani is set to miss the 3rd round clash of the FA Cup against Watford as part of the 3-match ban that is imposed upon him.
