Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a Football Association charge after he was filmed snatching a mobile phone out of the hands of a young Everton fan at Goodison Park last season.
Ronaldo smashed the phone to the floor as he trudged down the tunnel at Goodison on April 9, 2022, after Everton had beaten United 1-0.
The 37-year-old was handed a conditional caution by Merseyside Police after he spoke to officers about the incident but he's now been charged by the English game's governing body.
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Ronaldo is charged with an offence that relates to 'improper and/or violent' conduct and will now have to respond to the FA.
An FA statement said: "Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for an incident that took place after Manchester United FC's Premier League match against Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022. It is alleged that the forward's conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent."
In response, a Manchester United statement said: "We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo. We will be supporting the player in his response to the charge."
Merseyside Police launched an investigation after the clip of the incident was widely circulated online following the game.
Last month, a force statement said: "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 9 April.
“The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.”
After the incident, Ronaldo took to Instagram to apologise for his part in the incident.
He said: “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.
“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.”
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