Merseyside Police are investigating an alleged assault after Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to knock a 14-year-old Everton fan’s phone to the ground.
Video footage on social media showed the Portuguese superstar leaving the pitch in an unsavoury mood following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park before swiping his hand at something just out of shot.
The supporter’s mother, Sarah Kelly, told the Liverpool Echo her son’s hands were left bruised following the incident.
“Ronaldo just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son’s hand and carried on walking,” she said.
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“He’s really upset about it and it’s completely put him off going to the game again.”
Ronaldo, 37, apologised on social media on Saturday night, saying: “If possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.
“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.”
Merseyside Police now say they are liaising with both Manchester United and Everton and will speak to all parties involved.
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“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.”
A deflected first half goal from Anthony Gordon was enough to secure Frank Lampard’s relegation-threatened Toffees the three points, with United’s hopes of Champions League qualification fading fast after a defeat that leaves them six points off Spurs in 4th.
The loss left United’s players reeling, with goalkeeper David de Gea slamming his teammates in a post-match interview: “It is a disgrace from us, we should be winning this game. We don’t score but we don’t create proper chances to score. We are not good enough, that is for sure.”
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