Alejandro Garnacho, a teenage player for Manchester United, faces FA repercussions as a result of a social media remark criticising custodian Andre Onana, who has already addressed the situation.
In the midst of controversy around a social media post by winger Alejandro Garnacho, Erik ten Hag stated Manchester United is “together”.
The Argentina international Garnacho wrote a social media post praising Onana’s role in United’s recent 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen. In stoppage time, Onana denied a penalty kick by Jordan Larsson of Copenhagen, ensuring that Harry Maguire’s goal was sufficient to give the English team a tight 1-0 victory.
Garnacho posted two gorilla emojis, but he later removed the text after some people pointed out that it had racial overtones. Ten Hag stated the club has been in contact with the regulatory authority; the FA has now intervened in the case.
When asked if there was any change on Friday, Ten Hag replied to reporters, “Not at this moment.” “I can attest that we are in communication with the FA, and I want to underline that we are a cohesive team.” That was evident from Andre’s post.
Ten Hag was responding to an Onana post that specifically addressed Garnacho’s behaviour. “It is not up to individuals to decide what should offend me,” the Cameroonian wrote.
“I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power and strength,” he stated. “This matter should go no further.”
It’s uncertain at this early stage whether Garnacho will receive additional discipline from the FA for his remarks on social media. The young player’s former United teammate Edinson Cavani received a ban for remarks he said were spoken with affection, proving that intent is not always a decisive factor.
Midway through the 2020–21 season, Cavani found out about his sentence. “Edinson wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended,” United said in a statement. The Uruguayan was fined six figures and required to attend in-person education classes after using the term “Negrito” in a social media statement to a friend.
“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 statement added.
“Note that the independent Regulatory Commission had to impose a minimum three-game punishment, even though it is obvious that context and intent are important elements. The Club has faith that the Commission will explicitly state in written form that Edinson Cavani is not a racist and had no racist intent when he posted the.”
