Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana says the controversy surrounding teammate Alejandro Garnacho's social media post "should not go any further".
Garnacho posted on social media praising Onana after the Cameroon international saved a late penalty against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The youngster used a gorilla emoji alongside a photo of the 1-0 win, then deleted the post after highlighting the racial undertones.
The Football Association requested Garnacho's comment on the post through his club, with the possibility of disciplinary action. However, Onana did not seem bothered by his teammate's actions, showing that he knew what Garnacho's intentions were.
“People can't choose what makes me feel offended,” Onana wrote on her own social media account. The comment was posted under a photo of the security guard partying with several colleagues, including Garnacho.
“I know exactly what @garnacho7 means: power and strength,” he continued. “This matter should not go any further.” Some fans expressed support for Onana after seeing his response, with one saying "that's what his teammates do" and another writing "It's important Onana came out to support Garnacho."
However, there have been previous cases of players misbehaving towards the FA in similar circumstances, although this does not necessarily mean harm. During the 2020–21 season, Manchester United star Edinson Cavani was banned for three matches and fined £100,000 after using language that could be considered racially insensitive.
The Uruguay international, who said he considered the messages "a loving comment to a friend", was also ordered to undergo in-person training. “Edinson was not aware that his comments could be misinterpreted and he sincerely apologizes for the message and to anyone offended,” United said in a statement at the time.
"Despite his sincere belief that he was only sending his loving thanks in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he has chosen not to contest this accusation out of respect and solidarity with the FA as well as the fight against racism in football.
“While these are key elements of context and clear intent, please note that the Independent Regulatory Commission has called for a three-minute suspension to be imposed.
The Club hopes that the Committee will state in writing its reasons that Edinson Cavani is not racist, nor does he have any racist intentions in relation to his position.”