Mustafa Mughal
LONDON: (BY MUSTAFA MUGHAL) The Football Association charged Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday in connection with an incident in which the Manchester United striker is said to have knocked a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand during a Premier League game in April.
After United’s 1-0 loss to Everton on April 9, footage appeared to show Ronaldo knocking a fan’s cellphone on the ground.
The regulatory board said that Ronaldo’s behavior was improper and/or violent.
According to an FA spokesperson, “Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged for violating FA Rule E3 for an incident that happened following Manchester United FC’s Premier League match versus Everton on Saturday, April 9, 2022”.
It is alleged that the forward engaged in improper or violent behavior following the final whistle.
After being questioned by police over a charge of violence and criminal damage stemming from the incident at Goodison Park on April 9, Ronaldo was alsp issued a police caution in August.
In Britain, a caution is essentially a warning issued by the police for a minor crime if the offender admits to the offense.
It is also expected that Ronaldo could be suspended from forthcoming Premier League games if proven guilty of the charge.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who was unable in getting out of Old Trafford during the summer window, has only made one league start this season under Erik ten Hag.
However, Machester United released the following statement: “We note the FA announcement regarding Cristiano Ronaldo while in reaction to the charge, ‘We shall be supporting the player.”
Apology by Ronaldo
Earlier, after the event, Ronaldo apologized for his “outburst” on social media and extended an invitation to the fan to see a match at Old Trafford “as a demonstration of fair play and sportsmanship.”
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