Manchester United are cooperating with Merseyside Police and Football Association inquiries following an incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and a 14-year-old Everton fan after Saturday's game at Goodison Park.
Ronaldo was videoed after Everton’s 1-0 Premier League victory appearing to knock a phone out of Jake Harding’s hand, before his mum, Sarah Kelly, from Upton, later claimed the United forward had 'assaulted' and 'bruised' her son during the incident.
The incident occurred as Ronaldo and his team-mates made their way back to their dressing room located in the car park of Everton's Park End stand after Anthony's Gordon's first-half strike had condemned them to another defeat. Jake, who is autistic and has dyspraxia, was filming the United players leaving the pitch after watching the game.
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Ronaldo has since posted a message on social media apologising for an 'outburst' - and offering to arrange a trip to Old Trafford for Jake as a sign of 'fair play and sportsmanship'.
Mum Sarah confirmed to the ECHO on Saturday evening that the phone in the video that circulated on social media in the immediate aftermath to the game belonged to her son.
She said: "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.
"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. Ronaldo then just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son’s hand and carried on walking."
Before Sarah added: "[Ronaldo is] an idol. Yes, he’s not from Everton and you like who you like, but Ronaldo’s a big player. My son’s always been like 'Ronaldo’s going to be there' - he’s an icon.
"I’d understand if Jake was waving it in his face but he wasn’t near his face, it was down by the floor checking his injury." She continued: "He’s an autistic boy and he’s been assaulted by a football player, that’s how I see it as a mum."
Merseyside Police have indicated they will be speaking to all the parties involved, while the Football Association have also confirmed they will be 'seeking observations on the matter from both clubs and the player involved'.
A statement from the FA, released to the ECHO this morning, read: “We are aware of the incident and will be seeking observations on the matter from both clubs and the player involved."
While a spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO on Saturday: "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."
The ECHO also understands that United are cooperating with both inquiries, with Ronaldo having taken to social media on Saturday night to issue an apparent apology over the incident.
Ronaldo wrote: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.
“I would like to apologise 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.”
