The FA will take no action over a controversial social media post made by Alejandro Garnacho in reference to his Manchester United team-mate Andre Onana.
Garnacho posted a celebratory picture including Onana and other team-mates following the goalkeeper’s late penalty save in their 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen last month.
The post, which has been deleted, included emojis that could be deemed offensive.
The FA concluded their investigation into the social media post after Garnacho explained his use of two emojis “was intended to highlight the strength and power of his team-mates”.
An FA spokesperson said: “We are satisfied with Alejandro Garnacho’s explanation and the context it provides, so we will not be issuing disciplinary proceedings on this occasion.
“However, we have reminded the player of his responsibilities around social media posts and the use of emojis in particular which can be interpreted in different ways.
“We also intend to liaise with Kick It Out and the PFA to discuss other potential issues around the use of emojis and similar forms of messaging, and education that can be provided about them.”
Onana defended Garnarcho’s post, writing on Instagram: “People cannot choose what I should be offended by. I know exactly what [Garnacho] meant: Power and strength.
“This matter should go no further.”
In 2020, former Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani was banned for three matches and fined £100,000 when he posted a comment to thank a fan that included a racially offensive term.
A year earlier, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva was fined £50,000 and received a one-match ban after a tweet compared the facial features of a mascot for a Spanish confectionery firm to that of Benjamin Mendy. Silva had received support from Mendy during the FA’s process.