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.

Godin, Uruguay's captain, and striker Suarez shared on Twitter a letter of support for their international team-mate Cavani, written by the Uruguayan Football Players' Association (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".

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".

Cavani accepted the FA's charge, with United saying the Uruguayan chose not to contest it "out of respect for, and solidarity with" the governing body and football's fight against racism.

Cavani sent the message after scoring a winner at southampton on 29 November. He subsequently deleted the post and apologised when the meaning that could be attached was pointed out