Cristiano Ronaldo cautioned by police after appearing to slap phone out of fan’s hand following Man Utd loss to Everton

ByBen Southby

Published 17/08/2022 at 15:59 GMT

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by Merseyside Police after video footage emerged of the striker slapping a mobile phone out of a young fan’s hand. The incident occurred as the 37-year-old stormed down the tunnel after the club’s 1-0 loss against Everton at Goodison Park in April, and it is understood Ronaldo agreed to pay compensation to the schoolboy.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by Merseyside Police after he appeared to slap a phone out of a fan’s hand following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park in April.

Video footage of the incident emerged on social media, and showed the striker storming down the tunnel after the match before taking his frustration out on a young Everton fan's mobile phone.

A statement from Merseyside Police revealed a 37-year-old man “voluntarily” attended an interview under caution, and that the matter is now concluded.

Premier League

Kulusevski says Postecoglou 'makes you brave' - 'Different from any coach I've had'

12/03/2024 at 20:03

"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 statement read.

"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."

Ronaldo reportedly apologised to the 14-year-old boy before he agreed to pay compensation, the Daily Mail said.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 9, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Image credit: Eurosport

Shortly after the altercation, the young fan’s mother claimed Ronaldo “assaulted” her son, by bruising his hand.

She told the Liverpool ECHO: “We were right by the tunnel where they came walking past — my son was there videoing them all. And then he lowered his phone because Ronaldo had pulled down his sock and his leg was bleeding.

• Neville urges Ronaldo to 'stand up now and speak' after cryptic post

“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.

“He's an autistic boy and he's been assaulted by a football player, that's how I see it as a mum.”

After the game, Ronaldo took to Instagram to apologise for his “outburst” as he struggled to contain his emotions during a “difficult” time.

“It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing," he wrote.

“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.”

Ronaldo is in the middle of a whirlwind transfer saga as he searches for a way out of Old Trafford this summer, and has recently slammed the media for “telling lies” when speculating his future.

The striker has promised the truth will be revealed in a matter of weeks, during a tell-all interview.

Manchester United, who have lost their opening two Premier League games and sit bottom of the table, are back in action on Monday night when they host Liverpool.

Transfers

Man City's Savio deal faces Premier League 'fair value' scrutiny - Paper Round

06/02/2024 at 22:17

Football

Ronaldo to miss Messi showdown in Riyadh with calf injury

31/01/2024 at 21:24

Transfers

Man Utd duo wanted by Al-Nassr, Benzema wants 'temporary' transfer – Paper Round

24/01/2024 at 08:39