Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with breaching FA rules after he smashed a young fan's phone to the ground.
Police slapped the Manchester United frontman with a caution following the incident last April after the Portuguese player appeared to slap 14-year-old's Jacob Harding's hand as he left the Goodison Park pitch following defeat to Everton. Ronaldo later issued an apology to the teen, who was revealed to have autism.
Earlier this month, the six time Ballon d'Or winner was interviewed was interviews by cops under caution in relation to the alleged assault and criminal damage. Merseyside Police previously confirmed that the matter had been dealt with by "matter of conditional caution". However, it has since been alleged that the star's conduct following the final whistle was improper and/or violent. And now the English Football Association has charged the 37-year-old with a breach of FA Rule E3.
The rule states:" A Participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour ”.
In response the the FA charge on Friday, a spokesperson for Manchester United said: "We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo. We will be supporting the player in his response to the charge."
Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham gaffer Antonio Conte were also charged under FA Rule E3 earlier this season. The pair were charged following altercation after Spurs' first goal in the 68 th minute of the London derby last month.
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