4 hours ago
The video showed Ronaldo throwing the phone of a young fan to the ground, when he accepted it at the end of the match last April
The Football Association has charged Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo with inappropriate behavior over a video clip of the Portuguese player smashing a phone into a fan’s hand.
The video was shared on social media along with comments claiming he smashed the phone while leaving the pitch after losing 1-0 to Everton FC last April.
Ronaldo, 37, later apologized on social media.
The police issued a warning to the player about the incident last August.
“It is alleged that the attacker’s behavior after the final whistle was inappropriate and/or violent,” the Football Association said in a statement.
Manchester United said they would support Ronaldo in his response to the charge.
The defeat to Everton was a setback for United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last season, as they ended up in sixth place.
“It has never been easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments, like the ones we face,” Ronaldo said in a post on Instagram after the incident.
“However, we must always be respectful and patient and set an example for all young people who love the beautiful game,” he added.
“I would like to apologize for my outrage and, if possible, invite this fan to watch a game at Old Trafford to stress the importance of fair play and sportsmanship.”
“A problem that Ronaldo could not have done”
Simon Stone – BBC Sport
This is an unprecedented case and considered unusual, so there will be a hearing on whether or not Ronaldo will admit it.
The order can result in a penalty for the player ranging from a warning to a suspension.
It is reported that Tottenham player Eric Dier was banned for four matches two years ago, when he went to the stand to confront a fan who was in an argument with a member of the player’s family.
It’s a problem that Ronaldo could not do without, after a difficult summer during which he failed to move to one of the qualified clubs for the Champions League, and he started the season on the bench under new coach “Erik ten Hag”.