Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of a police investigation after appearing to knock a fan’s phone to the ground following Manchester United’s defeat at Everton.
Footage, taken by @EvertonHub, shows Ronaldo lowering his right hand towards the ground before what appears to be a phone colliding with and bouncing up off the surface, as he exited the pitch following the 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
Ronaldo has since apologised for the “outburst”.
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.
Merseyside Police have now launched an investigation, a spokesperson confirmed.
“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,” a statement read.
“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.
“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 have confirmed they are aware of the matter.
A club spokesperson said in a statement: “We are aware of an alleged incident after today’s game at Everton and the club will co-operate with any police inquiries.”
The Football Association will also speak to Ronaldo, Manchester United and Everton to seek their observations over the incident.
An FA spokesperson added: “We are aware of the incident and will be seeking observations on the matter from both clubs and the player involved.”
