Man Utd’s Andre Onana defends team-mate Alejandro Garnacho over social media post

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has expressed his thoughts in response to his teammate Alejandro Garnacho’s controversial social media post. Garnacho had posted a message accompanied by two gorilla emojis alongside a picture of Onana and his teammates celebrating the goalkeeper’s dramatic penalty save against Copenhagen’s Jordan Larsson.

Aware of the potential racial connotations of the post, Garnacho quickly edited and ultimately deleted the message. Despite taking this action, the Football Association (FA) has reached out to Garnacho for his “observations” on the issue, indicating that he may still face disciplinary action.

In light of these developments, Onana took to Instagram to provide his perspective on the matter. He emphasized that people should not dictate what others should be offended by, asserting that he understood Garnacho’s intention to celebrate power and strength. Onana firmly believes that the situation should not be blown out of proportion, urging for it to be resolved without further escalation.

The support from a fellow teammate like Onana could potentially benefit Garnacho’s case, but the final decision rests with the FA. The Football Association has previously cracked down on racially sensitive posts in the sport, imposing match bans on players such as Bernardo Silva and Edison Cavani for similar offenses. It remains to be seen what action, if any, the FA will take regarding Garnacho’s post.

The involvement of high-profile players in these incidents highlights the ongoing need for increased awareness and education about racial sensitivity in football. The sport has the power to bring people together, and it is crucial that players, clubs, and governing bodies actively promote inclusivity and eradicate any form of discrimination.

Ultimately, it is hoped that this incident serves as an opportunity for reflection, education, and growth within the football community. By addressing such issues head-on and taking appropriate action, the sport can continue to be a force for positive change and unity.