Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been suspended for three games by England's Football Association (FA) and fined 100,000 pounds for using a racial slur in an Instagram post in November.
Cavani will miss Friday's Premier League game against Aston Villa, the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the FA Cup third-round tie against Watford. All matches are to be played at Old Trafford.
Cavani had used the word "negrito" to thank a follower who congratulated the striker for his performance in United's 3-2 win in the league over Southampton on November 29. Cavani had scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
"A comment posted on the Manchester United FC striker's Instagram page was insulting, abusive, improper and brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1. The post also constitutes an 'aggravated breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin," said the FA in its ruling.
United said that Cavani chose not to contest the charge out of "respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football".
"As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn't aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended. Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football," the club said in a statement.
"While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent regulatory commission was required to impose a minimum three-game suspension. The club trusts that the independent regulatory commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post."
