Andre Onana leaps to defence of Alejandro Garnacho after Man Utd star’s social media post

Alejandro Garnacho has attracted attention for a social media post about Manchester United colleague Andre Onana in which the Argentina international used two gorilla emojis

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In pictures: Man Utd v Copenhagen

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has said the controversy over a social media post from team-mate Alejandro Garnacho “should go no further”.

Garnacho posted on social media hailing Onana after the Cameroon international saved a late penalty against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The youngster used gorilla emojis alongside a photo from the 1-0 victory, later deleting the post after racial connotations were pointed out.

The Football Association have requested Garnacho’s observations on the post, via his club, with a possibility of disciplinary action looming. Onana appears unbothered by his team-mate’s actions, though, indicating he knew what Garnacho’s intentions were.

“People cannot choose what I should be offended by,” Onana wrote on his own social media account. The comment was posted underneath a photo of the keeper celebrating with several colleagues including Garnacho. “I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power and strength,” he continued. “This matter should go no further.”

A number of fans gave Onana their backing after seeing his response, with one saying “that’s what team-mates do” and another writing “It’s important Onana came out to back Garnacho”. Still, there have been previous incidents of players falling foul of the FA in similar circumstances, even when not necessarily meaning any harm.

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Andre Onana has responded to the controversy (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

During the 2020-21 season, Manchester United star Edinson Cavani was banned for three matches and fined £100,000 after using language which could be considered raciallly insensitive. The Uruguay international, who said he intended the posts as “an affectionate comment to a friend”, was also ordered to undergo face-to-face education.

“Edinson wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended,” United said in a statement at the time. “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.

“While it is clear context + intent key factors, note that the independent Regulatory Commission required to impose a min 3 game suspension. The Club trusts Commission will make it clear in written reasons that Edinson Cavani not a racist, nor any racist intent in relation to post.”

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