Ronaldo
(Picture: Getty Images)Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by police after footage emerged of the Manchester United forward appearing to smash a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand at a match.
The Portuguese striker appeared to slap Jacob Harding’s hand as he left the pitch moments after his side were beaten 1-0 at Goodison Park last season.
Ronaldo later apologised to the 14-year-old and was interviewed by police under caution in relation to an alleged assault and criminal damage.
Merseyside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that a 37-year-old man voluntarily attended and was interviewed under caution in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage.
“The allegation relates to an incident following the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison Park on Saturday April 9.
“The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.”
It has been reported Ronaldo has agreed to pay compensation to the schoolboy.
After the incident the boy’s mother Sarah Kelly said he was filming the players walking off by the tunnel when the footballer knocked the phone out of his hand in a “terrible temper”.
She told the Daily Mirror: “I was crying, I was shook up, Jacob was in complete shock - he’s autistic and he’s got dyspraxia as well, so he didn’t really digest what was happening until he’s come home. He’s really upset and it’s put him off going to the game again.”
After the incident, Ronaldo issued a social media apology for his “outburst” and invited the boy to watch a game at Old Trafford “as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship”.
Manchester United FC and Ronaldo’s representative have been contacted for comment.
