Man Utd's Cristiano Ronaldo sorry over 'phone outburst' as police investigate
- Mark Ashenden
- 10 April 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo featured in Manchester United's 1-0 defeat at Everton leaving them needing a miracle to qualify for the Champions League next season
Merseyside Police have launched an investigation following an incident in which Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to knock a mobile phone out of a supporter's hand at Everton.
The force is appealing for witnesses after footage on social media emerged which appeared to show the Portuguese smashing a phone out of a Toffees fan's hand and onto the ground as he limped off towards the tunnel following United's 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.
Ronaldo apologised for his "outburst" that happened when leaving the pitch after United's 1-0 defeat at Everton.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "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 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 under way 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."
Later on Saturday evening, Ronaldo posted a statement on his personal Instagram account to say sorry. He also invited the supporter to watch a match at Old Trafford.
"It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing," the 37-year-old Ronaldo said.
"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."
Manchester United confirmed the club were aware of the matter.
Fan invitation
On Saturday evening, Ronaldo posted a statement on his personal Instagram account to say sorry. He also invited the supporter to watch a match at Old Trafford.
"It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing," the 37-year-old said.
"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."
Manchester United confirmed the club were aware of the matter.
🗣 Post-match reaction from @D_DeGea.#MUFC | #EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/J8zjRpTl3f
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 9, 2022
A club spokesperson said in a statement: "We are aware of an alleged incident after today's game at Everton and the club will cooperate with any police inquiries."
Anthony Gordon's first-half strike secured the three for the Toffees in a major boost for the hopes of remaining in the Premier League.
In the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, United may have controlled much of the possession in the early stages but they rarely threatened Frank Lampard's team.
The defeat left Ralf Ragnick's side seventh in the table, six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with seven games remaining.
It also means United have won just one of their last five Premier League games, with their sole win against Antonio Conte's reinvigorated Spurs after Cristiano Ronaldo's inspired hat-trick.
