Ronaldo: Police investigating after Manchester United forward appears to break fan’s phone
Merseyside Police are investigating an alleged assault after Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to break a fan’s phone.
Footage was shared on social media alongside comments claiming he smashed the device as he left the pitch after his side’s 1-0 loss at Everton.
Ronaldo, 37, later apologised on social media.
Merseyside Police said they were investigating “reports of an alleged assault” at Goodison Park on Saturday.
A spokesperson said they were liaising with both Manchester United and Everton.
“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,” they added.
“Inquiries are under way and officers are currently working with Everton 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.”
Manchester United said they were aware of “an alleged incident” and would “co-operate with any police inquiries”.
The result damaged United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League and came against an Everton side who had been one point above the relegation zone before kick-off.
“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing,” said Portugal international Ronaldo.
“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.”
The fan’s mother has claimed he was left “bruised” by the incident, which left the youngster “in complete shock”.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Sarah Kelly said her 14-year-old son Jake Harding is autistic and “didn’t really digest what was happening” until he got home.
“He’s really upset about it, and it’s completely put him off going to the game again,” she told the paper. “This is the first football game he’s been to and this has happened.”
Jake, she said, wasn’t waving his phone in Ronaldo’s face – and it was down by the floor when the Portuguese striker moved towards it. She also shared an image of her son’s hand with the newspaper, in which it appeared red and bruised.
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