Uruguay’s players’ union has called on the Football Association to overturn Edinson Cavani’s three-match ban.
The Manchester United striker was fined £100,000 and banned for an Instagram post containing a Spanish word that is offensive in some contexts.
Luis Suarez and Diego Godin have both shared a statement by their national players’ union that calls the punishment a “discriminatory” act.
Uruguay’s Football Association (AUF) also wants the ban reviewed.
Uruguay’s captain, Godin, and striker Suarez shared on Twitter a letter of support for their international teammate, Cavani, written by the AFU.
The letter, signed by professional and amateur players from the South American country, described the FA’s sanctioning of Cavani as an act “against the culture and way of life of the Uruguayan people.”
“Edinson Cavani has never committed any conduct that could be interpreted as racist,” said the AFU statement.
“He merely used a common expression in Latin America to affectionately address a loved one or close friend.
“The sanction shows the English Football Association’s biased, dogmatic and ethnocentric vision that only allows a subjective interpretation to be made from its particular and excluding conclusion, however flawed it may be.
“We request the FA to immediately overturn the sanction imposed on Edinson Cavani and reinstate his good name and honour in the world that has been so unfairly tarnished by this reprehensible decision,” it stated.
In a separate statement, the Uruguayan FA said, “We are convinced from our deep knowledge of the person and the analysis of the fact that he is not worthy of the punishment nor the consequent moral damage.”
The Football Association said it charged Cavani, and subsequently punished him, following a “full and thorough” investigation, which also “involved a language expert witness.”
The FA said the post was alleged to be “insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.”
It was also alleged that “the comment constitutes an aggravated breach” which “included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and or race and or ethnic origin.”
Along with the ban and fine, Cavani has also been told by the FA to complete a “face-to-face” education programme.
Cavani sent the message after scoring a winner at Southampton on November 29.
The striker subsequently deleted the post and apologized.