Cristiano Ronaldo could be the subject of FA punishment for smashing an Everton fan's phone after the full-time whistle at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Portuguese superstar saw his actions inevitably go viral after he was caught on camera smacking a phone out of the hand of a 14-year-old who was filming the United players leave the pitch. Emotions were clearly running high in the wake of United's 1-0 defeat which is likely to have a huge impact on the rest of their league season.
Both the FA and Merseyside Police are looking into the incident, with the latter in communication with United and Everton to determine whether any kind of criminal offence took place. The FA have told the Athletic : "We are aware of the incident and will be seeking observations on the matter from both clubs and the player involved."
The mother of the child in question has revealed that her son is still in shock and may not attend another football match as a result of the incident. Sarah Kelly took her teenage son Jake Harding to the home of the Toffees for the very first time in what was an unforgettable afternoon for so many reasons.
Everton secured a massive three points courtesy of Anthony Gordon's first-half deflected strike with the win a huge step in their hope of maintaining their Premier League status. What followed has sparked huge controversy, with Sarah and Jake sat in the Park End near the tunnel - it was there where Ronaldo smacked the phone out of the 14-year-old's hand, something he has since apologised for.
"At full-time the Man United players started walking off. We were in the Park End so we were right by the tunnel where they came walking past - my son was there videoing them all," Sarah told the Liverpool ECHO. "He filmed all the United players walking through. And then he lowered his phone because Ronaldo had pulled down his sock and his leg was bleeding. He lowered his phone to see what it was - he didn’t even speak.
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"Ronaldo then just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son’s hand and carried on walking." Images have since emerged of both the smashed phone and Jake's bruised hand.
United are willing to cooperate with authorities, while Ronaldo has already issued a public apology on Instagram late Saturday night: "It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote.
"I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship." A Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed to the ECHO that they are looking into Ronaldo's conduct.
"We can confirm that we are liaising with Manchester United Football Club and Everton FC following reports of an alleged assault at the Everton v Manchester United football match today (Saturday 9 April 2022) at Goodison. As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch.
"Inquiries are underway and officers are currently working with Everton Football club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness enquiries to establish if an offence has taken place.
"Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact centre quoting reference number 228 of 9 April 2022."
