Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani has apologised over a social media post following United's 3-2 win over Southampton.
The Uruguayan stepped off the bench with United trailing 2-0, and he turned the match on its head, scoring twice, including a late winner, and providing an assist.
It was after the win that the striker responded to a fan's post congratulating him with the words “gracias negrito!” causing an uproar.
Cavani, however, deleted the comment and has apologized.
“The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game,"
"The last thing I wanted to do was cause offense to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologise for this,"
The FA had on Monday indicated the post was being investigated, and Cavani could face a three-match ban if found guilty of breaking certain FA regulations in relation to racism.
