Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has escaped punishment from the Football Association (FA) over a social media post about teammate Andre Onana.
The 19-year-old got in trouble when he posted a photograph celebrating Onana’s penalty save in their Champions League win over FC Copenhagen last month.
The image was accompanied by two gorilla emojis, which sparked criticism from fans who considered it offensive.
Garnacho quickly deleted the post, but Onana later also defended his teammate on Instagram:
“People cannot choose what I should be offended by,” Onana said. “I know exactly what Garnacho meant – power and strength. This matter should go no further.”
However, the FA conducted an investigation and have decided not to take any disciplinary action against the youngster.
Garnacho is lucky to escape punishment after his social media post about Onana.
Footballers have received punishment in the past for their actions deemed offensive.
For example, Ex-United star Edinson Cavani was banned for three matches and fined £100,000 for referring to a friend as ‘negrito’ (meaning thanks little black) below his Instagram post.
Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva was also fined and banned for a game after posting a controversial social media post regarding his teammate Benjamin Mendy.
Garnacho clearly meant no harm with his post. But when you are a famous footballer, people notice everything you do on and off the pitch.
The 19-year-old should be more careful to stay away from trouble in future.
