Manchester United’s Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana finds himself at the heart of a racist controversy despite himself.
In difficulty since his arrival at Manchester United from Inter Milan this summer, André Onana was able to don the hero’s costume against Copenhagen this Tuesday in the Champions League. The goalkeeper of the Indomitable Lions allowed the Red Devils to achieve their first victory in C1 this season, by stopping the penalty taken by Jordan Larsson. Erik Ten Hag’s men were thus able to maintain their advantage in the score obtained thanks to a goal from Harry Maguire, before the last quarter of an hour of the match.
Very satisfied, the 27-year-old goalkeeper looked back on his difficult beginnings at Old Trafford. “I didn’t start like I did at other clubs. I didn’t start out the way I wanted to here, but that’s life. I am happy now. It’s football. We can’t always be on top. It’s not easy being a player at Manchester United. You have to have a big personality. You have to be strong. That’s what I do “he said in the mixed zone.
“No one can decide for me what offends me”
But shortly after, the former Ajax Amsterdam member saw his name associated with an ugly controversy. And for good reason, Alejandro Garnacho wanted to congratulate his teammate with a photo shared on social networks, in which we can see Onana and his teammates celebrating his achievement. A photo that the young Argentinian ailler accompanied by two emojis representing gorillas.
🔴🇦🇷 FA have been investigating into Garnacho’s social media post in which he used gorilla emojis over a picture of Andre Onana’s penalty save.
🇨🇲 Onana replies: “People can’t choose what I should be offended by. Garnacho meant power and strength. This should go no further.” pic.twitter.com/k6kea9Iwgz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 26, 2023
Although he quickly deleted his post, it didn’t take long before it sparked controversy, so much so that Manchester Evening News now indicates that the FA (The English Football Federation) has taken up the matter. According to the media across the Channel, the 19-year-old player could be subject to suspension.
However, the main interested party wanted to defend his young teammate. No one can decide for me what offends me. I know exactly what he wanted to emphasize: power and strength. It must stay there. », wrote Onana on Instagram.
