Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani could face a suspension from the Football Association over a since-deleted social media post.
The English FA is looking into the post which contained a Spanish phrase that is offensive in some contexts.
The 33-year-old Uruguay international inspired United to a 3-2 comeback win at Southampton on Sunday, with two goals and an assist after coming off the bench at halftime.
Replying to a message of congratulations on Instagram, Cavani wrote in Spanish: “Gracias negrito”.
The post appeared shortly after the match and has now been deleted.
Cavani could face a minimum three-game ban if the FA deems he used discriminatory or racist language under its Rule E3.
Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, Cavani’s Uruguay team mate, got an eight-match ban for using the same word in his on-field clash with United’s French defender Patrice Evra in 2011.
Cavani has scored three league goals for the club since joining as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
© AAP