Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has defended Alejandro Gernacho over a controversial post of the goalkeeper that was deemed to be offensive and contains elements of racism by the English Football Association.
In a bid to celebrate the goalkeeper’s stoppage-time penalty save in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday, Gernacho posted a picture of the goalkeeper and other teammates with an emoji that didn’t go well with the football association. It was perceived to be abusive and offensive to the goalkeeper and unsuitable for the football world.
The FA, being aware of the posts, contacted Gernacho through Manchester United to seek his observation and possible intentions on the post.
However, Andre Onana who was the supposed victim of the offensive post has defended the Argentine, claiming that Gernacho’s post wasn’t intended to be offensive rather it was meant to praise his abilities.
The goalkeeper posted on his Instagram on Thursday to defend Gernacho’s actions saying that he knew what Gernacho meant the post which was to portray his power and strength and the matter should not be given further concern. He also added that people are not in the position to choose what he should be offended by.
Manchester United has also made reference to Andre Onana’s posts when asked to raise a comment on the situation and revealed that the alleged offensive post has been taken down by Gernacho.
Historically, there have been cases of sanctions for posts deemed to be offensive and abusive. Former Manchester United striker was slammed with a £100,000 fine and banned for three matches in 2020 when he made a thankful post to a fan which included racially offensive words.
A year before, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva received a one-match ban and a fine of £50,000 after the midfielder made a tweet comparing the facial features of teammate Mendy with that of a Mascot for a Spanish confectionery firm. He however received support from Mendy during the process.
