Argentine sensation Alejandro Garnacho was United’s breakout star last season. The youngster became a mainstay in the first team, making a super-sub impact off the bench to influence games for Erik ten Hag’s men. He also received his first international call-up, linking him with Lionel Messi on the international level.
This season hasn’t gone quite well for the youngster as United continue to struggle for form. Things could even become worse for him as he is under investigation by the English FA over his social media post involving Andre Onana after the goalkeeper’s penalty heroics against Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
Why is Alejandro Garnacho in danger of receiving a ban?
The FA could charge Alejandro Garnacho over a social media post involving Andre Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper helped United secure their first three points in the Champions League following his penalty heroics in the game’s dying minutes. Garnacho quickly took to social media to appreciate Onana, albeit his choice of emojis could have landed him in trouble with the English FA as per reports.
The young Argentina forward added two gorilla emojis to a post with a picture of Andre Onana and his United teammates celebrating the penalty save, which was ultimately the last kick of the game. This post did not go unnoticed by the FA, who have since contacted United to get Garnacho’s observation.
The body frowns at racially sensitive social media posts, something Garnacho may have unintentionally breached with his use of gorilla emojis in a post with the shot-stopper’s picture.
Edinson Cavani was also on the receiving end of a three-match ban and a handsome fine for writing ‘Gracias Negrito’ in his friend’s appreciation on his Instagram story back in 2020. Although Cavani quickly deleted the post and claimed it “was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend”, he was still slammed with a ban, which could also be Garnacho’s fate.
Onana, who has endured a tough start at the club following some inconsistent performances, proved to be the hero, saving a spot-kick in the last minute. He could also miss club football when the AFCON kickstarts in January, provided he makes the final list of Cameroon’s 23-man squad.
Andre Onana defends teammate Alejandro Garnacho
Andre Onana has come out to defend his teammate Alejandro Garnacho, explaining that the Argentine used the gorilla emojis with the best of intentions and that the youngster did not mean to offend him or anyone else.
“People cannot choose what I should be offended by,” Onana posted on social media. “I know exactly what Garnacho meant: power and strength. This matter should go no further,” he added.
Despite his show of class and support for Garnacho, the young Argentine could still be banned and fined by the English FA. The player is reportedly cooperating with the FA, and it’s only a matter of time before they deliver a verdict.
Andre Onana joined Manchester United from Inter in a $56 million deal in July. and has since been the club’s starting shot-stopper between the sticks.
Should Alejandro Garnacho be punished for his social media post?
