In a celebratory moment following a dramatic penalty save against Copenhagen, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Alejandro Garnacho found themselves at the center of controversy. Garnacho, the 19-year-old Argentine sensation, used gorilla emojis in a social media post that featured a picture of him and Onana relishing the Cameroonian’s crucial save. The move breathed life back into Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations with a nail-biting 1-0 victory on Tuesday.
Andre Onana took to Instagram to make it clear that no punitive measures should be imposed on Garnacho for his choice of emojis. “People don’t get to dictate what offends me. I know exactly what [Garnacho] was implying: strength and power,” wrote Onana, calling for an end to any further discussion on the matter.
The Football Association (FA) is already in the loop, and they’ve requested Garnacho to provide his insights into the social media post. This incident is not without precedent in the soccer community. Back in 2019, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva found himself a match lighter and £50,000 poorer after an FA committee determined that while his tweet about teammate Benjamin Mendy was not intended to be “racist,” it warranted action. Silva had compared Mendy to a character on the packaging of Conguitos, a chocolate brand popular in Spain and Portugal.
Fast forward to 2021, and Manchester United’s own Edinson Cavani faced a three-match suspension and a £100,000 fine for using a Spanish term in a social media post that was deemed offensive in certain contexts.
So, for those who live for the pulse-pounding drama of Manchester United—whether on or off the field—there’s never a dull moment. While the FA reviews Garnacho’s post, United fans and followers are more concerned about the team’s next Champions League clash. After all, emojis come and go, but Champions League glory? That’s forever.
Stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and fan views on everything Red Devils. To ensure you’re always in the loop, check out the latest episode of The Devils’ Advocate podcast. Our Manchester United coverage has never been more extensive, so head on over to our content hub for all things United.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Andre Onana defends Alejandro Garnacho
What is the controversy surrounding Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana?
Alejandro Garnacho, a 19-year-old forward for Manchester United, used gorilla emojis in a social media post featuring a photo of him and teammate Andre Onana celebrating a penalty save. The Football Association (FA) is currently reviewing the case.
Who is Andre Onana and what was his response?
Andre Onana is a Cameroonian goalkeeper for Manchester United. He defended Garnacho’s use of the emojis, stating that people shouldn’t decide what offends him. According to Onana, Garnacho’s use of the emojis meant “strength and power.”
Has the Football Association taken any action?
As of now, the Football Association has asked for Alejandro Garnacho’s observations regarding the social media post. There has been no official action taken yet.
Have there been similar controversies in football before?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred. In 2019, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva was fined £50,000 and banned for one match over a tweet about teammate Benjamin Mendy. In 2021, Edinson Cavani of Manchester United was given a three-match ban and a £100,000 fine for an offensive social media post.
What’s next for Manchester United in the Champions League?
The team secured a critical 1-0 win against Copenhagen, breathing new life into their Champions League campaign. While the FA reviews the social media post, the team and fans are focused on the upcoming matches in the tournament.
Where can I get more updates on Manchester United?
You can stay updated by listening to the latest episode of The Devils’ Advocate podcast and following extensive coverage on various platforms that focus on Manchester United.
More about Andre Onana defends Alejandro Garnacho
- Latest Updates on Manchester United
- Football Association’s Official Statement
- Historical FA Actions on Social Media Controversies
- Recent Episodes of The Devils’ Advocate Podcast
- Andre Onana’s Instagram Post
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Social Media Profile
- Previous Controversies Involving Bernardo Silva and Edinson Cavani
- Manchester United’s Upcoming Champions League Fixtures
- Cameroonian Players in European Football
10 comments
Is this really what we’re gonna talk bout now? We just had an epic win, cmon people.
Oh the FA is ‘reviewing’ again. Anyone else think they take way too long to make decisions?
smh can’t we all just get along and enjoy the game? drama’s cool but not when it overshadows the sport itself.
Seriously? we’re still on this? I thought we were past the point of making mountains out of molehills.
Interesting how emojis can mean so many different things to different people. context matters, people!
Back in my day, we didn’t have emojis to argue over. We argued over, you know, actual soccer.
This whole thing could be a movie plot. A drama, a thriller, and a sports film all in one!
Onana’s the man, love how he’s standing up for his teammate. That’s what team spirit’s all about y’all.
Man, people need to chill. Onana himself said it’s cool, so why’s everyone making a big deal? Go United!
Honestly guys, I get that it’s sensitive but let’s focus on the Champions League. We got a game to win!