The 33-year-old received several congratulatory messages on social media after climbing off the bench to provide an assist and score a brace in Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Southampton on November 29, but he used the phrase ‘gracias negrito’, a term with a racial connotation in England, to appreciate one from a friend.
Cavani quickly deleted the message after he was made aware of its implications in England but the Football Association had already taken note and have launched an investigation, which has seen the Uruguayan banned.
Cavani apologised for the post and insisted he meant no malice.
An FA statement said: "A comment posted on the Manchester United FC striker's Instagram page was insulting, abusive, improper and brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1. The post also 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.
"An independent Regulatory Commission was appointed to decide the sanction and its written reasons will be published in due course."
Cavani will miss Friday’s home game against Aston Villa as well as the EFL Cup semi-final showdown with Manchester City and an FA Cup tie with Watford.
A Manchester United statement said: "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 club trusts that the independent regulatory commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post."
