Cavani apologizes for Instagram post: 'I am completely opposed to racism'

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani issued an apology on Monday for including the Spanish word "negrito" ("black") in an Instagram post following his two-goal performance at Southampton on Sunday.

The Football Association is opening an investigation into the matter, and it could ban the Uruguayan for up to three matches if it deems the word to be discriminatory or racist, according to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson.

"The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game," Cavani said in a statement published on United's website.

"The last thing I wanted to do was cause offense to anyone," he continued. "I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologize for this."

United supported Cavani in the same statement.

"It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson's message and he deleted it as soon as he was informed that it could be misconstrued," the club said. "Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offense caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism."

Cavani was introduced as a half-time substitute when United were trailing 2-0 at Southampton. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward went on to assist Bruno Fernandes before notching two headed goals during the Red Devils' thrilling 3-2 win. His post-match response to an Instagram follower was subsequently deleted.

A year ago, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva was suspended for one match after posting a tweet that compared his teammate Benjamin Mendy to a cartoon character that represents the Spanish chocolate peanut brand Conguitos.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli was also banned for one match last June after a private Snapchat video surfaced of him appearing to mock an Asian man and the coronavirus in February.