Cavani accepts suspension for 3 matches and denies charges of "racism"

Uruguayan international Edinson Cavani, Manchester United striker, announced that he would accept a three-match ban by the FA for using a racist term in a message on Instagram that was quickly deleted, but he defended his intentions by saying they were not racist.

Cavani, 33, responded to a congratulation from one of his friends on Instagram with "Gracias Negrito" (thank you, little lions) after beating Southampton 3-2 in the domestic league on November 29, in a match in which the Paris striker scored. Former French Saint-Germain double and assisted pass.

Cavani quickly deleted the message, while United scrambled to defend its new striker, saying that the word had different connotations in South America.

After the suspension decision Thursday, Kavani wrote on social media, "I accept disciplinary sanctions, knowing that I am a foreigner of the traditions of the English language, but I do not share the point of view."

He continued, "I apologize if I offended someone by expressing my affection towards a friend, it was not my intention at all."

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