Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) over a social media post last month.
The 33-year-old shared an Instagram story from a fan which featured a racially offensive term after United’s 3-2 win at Southampton on November 29, in which Cavani scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner.
The post was later deleted and Cavani apologised.
United stressed the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in Cavani’s home country of Uruguay.
But the FA have seen fit to charge the striker with a breach of their Rule E3, alleging his post was “insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.”
The governing body added: “It is further alleged that the comment 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.”
Cavani has until January 4 to respond to the charge. He faces at least a three-match ban if he is found guilty.
