“Players moving to the Premier League from overseas should get training on acceptable language to avoid cultural misunderstandings”, Says Solskjaer
The Football Association is looking into a social media post published by United’s Uruguayan striker, Edinson Cavani on Sunday although he, later on, deleted it. Cavani sent the message after scoring the injury-time winner in United’s 3-2 win over Southampton.
However, Cavani’s post contained a Spanish phrase that is termed to be offensive in some contexts.
“There was no malicious intent at all”. Said Solskjaer.
“It was just an affectionate greeting to a friend of his. But we explained to him. He’s been asked by the FA to explain. So of course, he’ll co-operate with them and we’ll support him”.
“I think it is one of those unfortunate situations that he’s just come into the country and in Uruguay, it’s been used in a different affection than what we have”.
Although, Cavani has apologized and said, “it was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game”.
As of this season, Football Association rules state that any player found guilty of an offense of discrimination will face a minimum three-match suspension.
Asked if the incident showed a need for greater education and referencing former United captain Gary Neville’s calls for compulsory diversity training, Solskjaer said, “I think so”.
“I saw Gary said something on maybe all the players coming from different cultures should be educated and I’m sure Edinson has learned the hard way”.