Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is facing an investigation by the Football Association over a social media post.
Cavani came off the bench on Sunday to score twice as United came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Southampton.
Replying to a message of congratulations on Instagram, Cavani used the Spanish term 'negrito', which translates as 'black'.
United stressed that the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America, where Cavani is from.
The club said the 33-year-old had been made aware such terms are viewed as offensive in the UK and he subsequently deleted the post.
The FA, which is aware of the matter and will investigate, issued guidelines ahead of this season clamping down on racist and discriminatory language and behaviour, with offences on social media carrying a minimum three-game ban.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Dele Alli of Tottenham were both suspended for one match last season after posts that breached FA guidelines.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
